Therapy Services
Cerebral Palsy ~ HIE ~ Anoxic Brain Injury ~ Pediatric Stroke ~ Genetic Disorders ~ Apraxia/Dyspraxia ~ Dysphagia ~ Autism ~ Developmental Delays ~ Sensory Processing DisordersMNRI® Intensives for Feeding/Swallowing Skills
As an SLP, my passion lies in pediatric dysphagia, focusing on the phases of a swallow and the coordination of muscles for a safe swallow. Unfortunately, many feeding therapists lack the specialized training needed for effective treatment. At Unity Therapy Solutions, I’ve developed a holistic approach to pediatric dysphagia that considers physical and psychological factors. Based on a child’s current skill level, I like to look at what reflexes are involved, which cranial nerves might need attention, if there are modifications to the food or presentation that needs to occur, and what past experiences may have contributed to trauma experiences around feeding. In school we are taught to focus our attention on such a small piece of the puzzle, but as we zoom out and look at the whole picture, we can see how the brain and body are connected and both need to be addressed for progress.
MNRI® Intensives for Communication Skills
The MNRI® Method is based on science and proven success. People have two ways of perceiving the world: through conscious control (cortical) and automatic reactions (sub-cortical). When stressed, both kids and adults rely on automatic responses for protection and survival. Traditional therapies often focus on teaching and practicing skills from the conscious brain. However, if reflexes aren't integrated, learning can be hard because the brainstem or midbrain is in control. MNRI® takes a different approach, integrating reflexes to solve issues from the root cause. This promotes natural recovery and better learning with fewer repetitions and drills. So the focus in an MNRI® intensive that is focused on communication skills would be on integrating those reflexes, but during the process I model and encourage communication skills.
Unsure of how long an intensive should be ?
Connecting reflexes with developmental skills
How does the nervous system affect our ability to produce speech? Learning skills relies on a well-functioning nervous system. The way we learn and re-learn skills depends on a balanced flow of information to the brain. If any part of our senses is overwhelmed or not getting enough input, we struggle to absorb new information. This applies to learning at home, school, or work. Decoding sounds and knowing how to produce specific sounds in our language are essential skills we learn in childhood and may need to be re-learned after a neurological event.
Speech
MNRI® focuses strongly on cranial nerve function and the oral/facial reflexes that support sucking, swallowing, chewing, biting, etc., but there are also dynamic and postural reflexes in the core and limbs that must be addressed. Eating is a whole body process that requires regulation, grading of muscle movements, and use of all sensory systems. When we work on the reflexes that support those processes, enjoyment and pleasure can occur during our experiences with food.
Feeding/Swallowing
Understanding language, using language, knowing how to shift our language based on where we are, and other language tasks are considered higher level, cortical skills. Once this skill is learned, we get many repetitions by performing it many times a day. Aside from being a skill that is learned, our language is shaped by what we are able to see and interact with in our environment. For children with limited mobility, their “world” is expanded when reflexes become integrated and exploring different objects and places directly improves their receptive vocabulary.
Language
Cognition & Executive Functioning
Reflexes are patterns that have been coded into our neurological system since being in utero. They integrate as we grow and develop, which helps us with many skills, such as cognition. When our reflexes are unintegrated, our system no longer functions efficiently and our body is left with compensations, which are not the most efficient path for our growth and development. Cognitive and executive functioning skills include planning/organization of tasks, time management, working memory, mental flexibility, impulse control, emotional regulation, task initiation, and goal directed persistence. These are all crucial skills for daily functioning.
Accepting New Patients for Office or Home Appointments
Located where Cypress and Willowbrook meet, the Unity Therapy Solutions office is upstairs next door to Therahappy, owned by Franchesca Cox. We offer a comfortable environment for families and children where parents can grab a coffee or tea, check emails, and work remotely. If you require assistance with carrying your child to our offices upstairs, please reach out to us when you arrive and we are happy to help.
If your child has complex medical needs that make traveling difficult, an at home intensive might be an option for your child. If your home is located within 30 miles of the office and schedule availability permits, we can discuss having therapy in the comfort of your home. In home appointments are prioritized for children who would require a nurse or extra parent for transportation to the office.