This summer I gave a virtual lecture for University of Pittsburgh students in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PA program - section on genetics. This presentation addresses my personal experiences, pre and post natal, as well as the use of lethal language as it relates to inaccurate information and directive care. Call it… Continue reading Lecture for University of Pittsburgh students on parent experience related to prenatal diagnosis
Tag: pediatric occupational therapy
Keynote Speaker : University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Recognition Day Ceremony
December 14, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of presenting as the Keynote Speaker for the University of Pittsburgh's Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Fall Recognition Day Ceremony, representing both the OI community and Clarion University. The majority of graduates were from the Physicans Assistant program, and others were from Speech Pathology, OT, PT, Audiology,… Continue reading Keynote Speaker : University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Recognition Day Ceremony
9 Things I’d Love to Share with Occupational Therapy Students
I recently spoke on a parents panel at a local university, speaking to students in an OT program about working with an OT and having a child with special needs. I'd like to share the following, as it pertains to pediatric occupational therapy. The Early Intervention (EI) program and our team of therapists have changed our… Continue reading 9 Things I’d Love to Share with Occupational Therapy Students
Developmental Toy Gift Guide for a Baby You Love: 16 ideas for the first year+
16 great toys that have served Niko well in his first 16 months! PT and OT approved.
Big Milestone
No one ever said he wouldn't walk.... No one ever said he wouldn't crawl. Most have said, "We don't know." The only thing scarier than the unknown... .... scarier than the not-knowing of how a future will play out... ... how our son's life will unfold.... .... whether he will live a full and purposeful… Continue reading Big Milestone
Niko and the Nuk brush
I never knew what a Nuk brush was until I learned it from Niko. Our occupational therapist introduced it to us when we started building Niko's tongue muscles. We started with stroking motions of the sides of his mouth and now he chews it independently. Since Niko was born with a broken arm, his left… Continue reading Niko and the Nuk brush
Niko grows strong
{New blog} Niko grows strong and continues to show us physical strength and a joyful spirit that is unbreakable!
Niko’s first Christmas already and his first mama’s birthday
Every week we meet with PT and OT, it seems Niko is doing something he hasn't done before... whether it be using his arm just a little more, reaching just a little higher, straightening his legs just a little more... his subtle changes grow until they are just part of the normal. Niko started grabbing… Continue reading Niko’s first Christmas already and his first mama’s birthday
Diagnosis during pregnancy 