• attention deficit disorder
• burns
• cerebral palsy
• developmental and cognitive delays
• feeding problems
• head injuries
• hearing loss
• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• orthopedic problems
• prematurity
• neurological defects
• speech and language delays

Audiology
Our audiologist looks at the hearing of children who have hearing loss or may be at risk for hearing loss or other auditory problems.  Children learn to talk by imitating what they hear.  If they do not hear well, they will not learn to talk well.  For this reason, everyone who receives Speech Language Pathology services must also have an audiolgoical screening.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on returning the child to the highest level of motor functioning possible. The physical therapist evaluates muscle tone, movement, balance, endurance, ability to ambulate, ability to plan motor movements, strength and coordination. If adaptive equipment such as a walker, splints or a wheelchair is required, the physical therapist determines the correct size and type and evaluates the child's ability to use the equipment.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on physical, cognitive and perceptual disabilities that influence the child's ability to perform functional tasks. The occupational therapist provides therapies designed to bring the child to the maximum level of independence in daily activities. The occupational therapist evaluates the child's ability to use his arms, hands and fingers (fine motor skills), visual perceptual skills, cognitive functioning, hand coordination and self-care skills. The therapist can perform splinting of the child's arms or hands and may provide special equipment such as adaptive eating utensils, large print reading materials and dressing aids.

Speech Therapy
Speech therapy focuses on the patient's feeding skills, motor-speech skills and receptive and expressive language skills. The speech therapist evaluates the child's cognitive functioning and social interaction skills. The speech therapist may develop the child's oral sensory-motor skills, speech listening and conversational skills, and higher-level cognitive skills, such as problem solving, reasoning, judgment and decision-making.

Our nationally recognized Feeding and Swallowing program (PDF) can diagnose a variety of feeding and swallowing disorders in children. The comprehensive program was the first of its kind in the Mid-South and offers a variety of evaluation and treatment methods.

Our therapists also take part in specialty clinics that address specific diagnoses:

Feeding Clinic
This clinic is for children with feeding and swallowing problems. It usually includes a Modified Barium Swallow study. A visit may include assessment by SLPs, nutrition, developmental pediatrics, radiology and social work.

Spasticity Clinic
Includes a team of physicians, therapists and social work. They focus on managing increased muscle tone in children usually affected by cerebral palsy or brain injuries.

Spina Bifida Clinic
Children with spina bifida have many different needs. They often need the services of many specialists. Each year, your child may see many of these specialists on the same clinic day. This way you can have a more comprehensive evaluation. The visit can include orthopedics, neurosurgery, developmental pediatrics, urology, rehabilitation and social work.

Surgery Clinic
Sometimes children with burns or complex wounds are treated in surgery clinic. The therapists focuses on the child's wound care, ability to move and long-term scar issues.

A referral or order from your primary care physician is usually needed for these services. Please call 901.287.6171 for more information.