ARK's Blog

Question:  Our 8-year-old son has to take a pill every day and is not able to do it consistently.  Do you have any stress-free suggestions on how to help a child swallow a pill whole? . I would begin by calling the pharmacy to see if your child's medication comes in liquid or chewable form, which would be easier to take.  While you have them on the phone, ask if this particul …

Question:  I am working with a 2-year-old with CP.  I cannot get him to take consecutive bites of food.  He takes one bite and lets it sit in his mouth until it dissolves, then swallows it.  I have to prompt him to open his mouth and take another bite.  I am using the Z-Vibe on sides of mouth, he will bite one time, then I have to prompt him to open mouth. Any ideas? &n …

Before mealtime: •  Play with sensory-stimulating toys, such as koosh balls, peanut balls, bubbles, play-doh, massagers, any toys/books with interesting textures, etc. •  Give the child sensory input through physical sensory-stimulating activities, such as bouncing on a ball, jumping, swinging, etc. . In preparation for mealtime: •  Put the child in a highchair/booster …

OFFER A VARIETY Kids are naturally curious, so try offering them a variety of different foods to explore.  Put a different bite-sized snack in each compartment of an ice-cube tray or a muffin tin.  Include some of their preferred foods as well as soon non-preferred foods.  They will likely gravitate to their preferred foods and that's ok - just having the other foods …