May is better Speech and Hearing Month

The Most Anticipated Moment


The most anticipated moment for a parent is the sound of a child's first words. But what if the words are delayed, jumbled, or never come at all? Speech and language problems can affect early learning and self-esteem. Give your child a chance by seeking proper treatment from a speech-language pathologist.


Reach Your Full Potential


As we strive to reach our full potential, speech and language problems can hold us back. To some it may be a delay in talking or difficulty swallowing. Others may be unable to speak clearly or comprehend because of a stroke or accident. Speech and language problems can affect anyone at any age. If you are concerned that a disorder is going untreated or are unable to find proper treatment, consult a speech-language pathologist.


Communication Disorders Do Not Discriminate

Millions of Americans have a communication or swallowing disorder. These disorders affect people of all ages, from all walks of life. For them, simple thoughts like "Thank you" and "I love you" may be impossible to convey. If you are concerned that a disorder is affecting your education, professional life, or personal relationships, consult a speech-language pathologist.

Communication for Life

Speech and language disorders can affect anyone at any age. Millions of infants, children and adults in America suffer from a communication or swallowing disorder. Whether it's a difficulty in swallowing or a disorder such as stuttering, delayed language or a voice problem, a person's ability to learn and interact with others can be affected. If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing a communication or swallowing disorder, consult a speech-language pathologist.




Questions? Click on the button below to ask a Speech-Language Pathologist.

If you would like to learn more about Speech-Language Pathology, visit the American Speech-Language Hearing Association website at www.asha.org

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Specialized Care for Pediatric Patients

Adults aren't the only ones who need rehabilitation therapy to maximize their physical, mental and social abilities. Some children and adolescents also need specialized services to build strength, achieve their functional potential and develop the skills they need at thome, at school and within their communities. Children may benefit from rehabilitation services if they have or are recovering from:

• Birth defects or birth injuries


• Neurological, musculoskeletal or rheumatological conditions


• Developmental delays


• Feeding problems


• Acute traumas


• Bone fractures and other orthopedic problems


• Accidents


• Injuries


• Burns


• Cancer


• Surgery


• Chronic diseases (such as sickle cell, heart or kidney diseases)
  

A Team Approach

Kids who need rehabilitation services receive care from a mulitdisciplinary team of specialists who are trained to handle the unique needs of pediatric patients. The team includes physical, occupational and speech therapists who evaluate and assess the child's functional limitations.

Rehabilitation specialists design individual treatment plans to help mazimize patients' independence and the quality of their lives. Team members use a variety of techniques and technologies that can help:

• Support patients' growth and development


• Prevent future complications and impairments


• Relieve pain


• Improve kids' cognitive abilities


• Improve strength, coordination, range of motion and fine motor skills


• Relax muscles


• Develop kids' self-care skills


• Enhance speech and language skills


• Teach kids' how to use wheelchairs, braces and other assistive devices
  

Short and Long Term Care

Some pediatric patients may need only short-term rehabilitation therapy to address certain acute injuries or issues. Rehabilitation, however, can play a major role in health care for kids with complex, lifelong conditions.

While children and adolescents undergoing therapy may be tackling difficult issues, rehabilitation professionals provide services in an age-appropriate way that keeps pediatric patients engaged. For example, therapists may use fun activities to help kids develop key coordination, motor and hand-eye skills that may improve their walking, feeding or handwriting skills. The gains children make during rehabilitation therapy often help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, giving them a sense of accomplishment.

Developments in Pediatric Therapy

>>Kristine Trimble, Alicia Lutman and Heather Smith comprise the pediatric rehabilitation team at Fauquier Health. The pediatric office is located at 493 Blackwell Road in the Warrenton Professional Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Over the past few months, the rooms have been renovated and updated. New therapeutic tools have also been added, which the children see as "new toys".

Kristine Trimble, PT, DPT is the pediatric physical therapist who provides therapy for children with torticollis, gross motor delays, traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, cerebral palsy and dyspraxia. She also implements aquatic therapy.

Alicia Lutman, MOTR/L, ATC is the pediatric occupational therapist who works with children with fine motor delays, visual processing deficits, autism, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries and handwriting difficulties.

Heather Smith, MS, CFY-SLP is the pediatric speech lauguage pathologist who works with children with receptive and expressive language delays, apraxia, feeding delays, autism, developmental delays, articulation/phonological processing disorders, and acquired and traumatic brain injuries.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational and speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you need further information please call 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question or request additional information. Your email will be answered within 24 business hours.

Right this way...

We've installed a new directional sign to help clients find their way to our outpatient clinic on the Fauquier Hospital campus. We are located in the Medical Office Building at 253 Veteran's Drive in Warreton, Virginia. Our clinic is on the first floor of the building, to the right of the elevator in the main lobby.