Occupational Therapy Our OT staff provides treatment with sensory motor and developmental approaches. Treatment programs focus on functional independence through visual-perceptual motor, upper extremity strength and coordination, sensory integration, oral-motor and self-help activities. Additional training of staff includes handwriting, sensory integration, NDT, vision, serial casting/orthotics, augmentative communication accessing, adaptive equipment and therapeutic listening. Our staff works with parents, educators, physicians, psychologists and other behavior specialists. Common diagnoses treated include cerebral palsy, motor incoordination, autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), and sensory integrative dysfunction.

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Speech Therapy ST's address all areas of speech and language development including receptive and expressive language, articulation, respiration and fluency. Other aspects of therapy include alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), oral motor abilities, swallowing and feeding skills (oral & pharyngeal feeding & swallowing problems). Common diagnoses treated include cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), language delays, dysphagia and articulation disorders. Therapeutic listening, hearing screening & tympanometry, and standardized testing are also provided by our staff.

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Sensory Integration Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, taste, sight, sound and the pull of gravity. The process of the brain organizing and interpretating this information is called sensory integration(SI). SI provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behavior.

For most children, sensory integration develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. Motor planning ability is a natural outcome of the process, as is the ability to adapt to incoming sensations. But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. When the process is disordered, a number of problems in learning, development or behavior may become evident. SI is needed to perform self-help, social, community, motor and academic skills.

One important aspect of therapy that uses a sensory integrative approach is that the motivation of the child plays a crucial role in the selection of the activities. Most children tend to seek out activities that provide sensory experiences most beneficial to them at that point in development. It is this active involvement and exploration that enables the child to become a more mature, efficient organizer of sensory information.

Testing of SI problems can be done through clinical observations or administration of a standardized test, the SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests). Here at NTS, we have both physical and occupational therapists certified to administer the SIPT.

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Computer Class We have added computer class as part of our therapy service offering. Computer is a great way to get kids interested in the therapy classes. Children are naturally attracted to the colorful light and sound and other multimedia nature of computer programs.

Computer programs may serve to challenge a child in the area of memory, visual ability, hand eye coordination and it is FUN !!!. Different levels of difficulty as well as content of the classes are tailored to the individual needs of the child.

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Massage Therapy Therapeutic massage, one of our most popular services, is made available to our clients and their families. The children demonstrate increased circulation, improved sensory processing, relaxed muscles and greater range of motion. These benefits, along with the therapy they receive, help them reach their fullest potential.

A relaxing massage is also available for parents. Call for an appointment while your child is receiving therapy.
Provided at the Northwest Location at this time.
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Therapeutic Listening Therapeutic Listening is a treatment available at NTS. Trained staff evaluate and treat clients as well as educating and training parents for home use.

Therapeutic Listening is a technique that involves listening to modulated music (certain frequencies) in a special set of headphones, following a protocol. It is appropriate for children with impairments in sensory integration or neurological disorders.

Therapeutic Listening impacts the vestibular system which is located in the inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for movement of the body, balance and equilibrium reactions as detected by movements of the head. It is also connected to the arousal/alertness levels, muscle tone and coordination which impacts motor skills, learning, behavior, posture, cognition, attention span, speech and language, and auditory processing. Improvements in these areas are possible with the Therapeutic Listening Program. Prior to the onset of treatment, the client must have had a hearing screening and a tympanogram (this can be performed at NTS).

Refer to the events page for additional information

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Aquatic Therapy Performed by our experienced therapists trained in water safety to reinforce therapeutic skills learned in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Aquatic therapy is offered by PT and OT in our in-ground pool which ranges from three to five feet in depth. Call (713)466-6872 to schedule an appointment. Provided at the Northwest Location at this time.

At the South location, our aquatic therapy is provided by a Hallowick Certified physical therapist at a local indoor heated pool.  Call 281-208-0771 to schedule an appointment.

At the West location, our aquatic therapy is provided by an experienced physical therapist.  Our pool is an onsite heated out door pool  which ranges in depth of 3 to 8 feet.  Call 281-392-4221 to schedule an appointment.

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Nutrition Service

Elizabeth Strickland, MS, RD, LD is a Nutritionist specializing in Complementary Nutrition Therapy for Autism, PDD, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and other childhood disorders (down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, celiac disease, constipation, tube feeding, overweight, underweight, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies and feeding problems).  Strickland is trained both in traditional Dietetics and Complementary Nutrition Therapy, and is uniquely skilled and knowledgeable about dietary, herbal and vitamin/mineral supplements. Strickland states she thinks “outside the box” and goes beyond basic traditional Medical Nutrition Therapy using foods, herbs, vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements to protect the body from toxins, enhance the body’s ability to self heal and restore the balance of health.     

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Elizabeth:Email: ASDpuzzle@aol.com, Telephone: (830) 237-2886, Website: www.ASDpuzzle.com

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