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Author: CritUSA

Video Games as an effective therapeutic tool for your child

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Have you ever imagined video games as more than just entertainment? Video games are increasingly being integrated as a tool in pediatric rehabilitation, offering an engaging way to actively participate in your child’s recovery and development, especially if they have various medical conditions. 

Here’s how video games can contribute to the therapeutic process:

Motivation and Engagement

  • Increased Participation: Video games are inherently engaging, which can motivate children to participate more actively in their rehabilitation exercises. This is particularly important in pediatric settings, where maintaining a child’s interest can be challenging.
  • Fun and Rewarding: Games provide immediate feedback and rewards, giving children a sense of achievement. Research shows integrating play into pediatric therapy significantly reduces the time needed to learn new skills compared to traditional therapy methods. By making therapy enjoyable through video games, children can achieve developmental milestones more effectively and efficiently. 

Customizable and Adaptive Therapy

  • Personalized Programs: Video games can be tailored to meet a child’s individual needs, adjusting the difficulty level, pace, and types of activity based on their abilities and progress.
  • Real-time Monitoring: Many therapeutic video games have built-in monitoring tools that allow therapists to track progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and ensure exercises are performed correctly.

Physical Rehabilitation

  • Motor Skill Development: Video games designed for rehabilitation often focus on improving fine and gross motor skills through activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, balance, and precise movements.
  • Range of Motion and Strength: Active video games, especially those using motion-sensing technology (e.g., Kinect , Wii), help improve range of motion, strength, and overall endurance in a fun and interactive way.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

  • Cognitive Skills: Certain games aim to improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning, which are beneficial for children recovering from brain injuries or neurological conditions.
  • Attention and Focus: Video games’ interactive nature can enhance a child’s ability to concentrate and maintain attention over longer periods, which is often a goal in cognitive rehabilitation.

Social Interaction and Inclusion

  • Social Skills: Multiplayer or cooperative video games can foster social interaction, helping children develop communication, cooperation, and social skills in a supportive environment.
  • Peer Interaction: Children with developmental differences can sometimes feel isolated from their peers. Video games can allow children to interact with others, improving social inclusion.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

  • Stress Relief: Playing video games can help distract from pain or anxiety, providing emotional relief, and improving overall well-being.
  • Confidence Building: Successfully completing game challenges can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence, positively impacting their rehabilitation efforts.

Examples of Video Games in Pediatric Rehabilitation

  • Virtual Reality (VR) Games: VR creates immersive environments for therapeutic exercises. For example, VR games can simulate real-life scenarios to help children practice walking or using their arms in a safe, controlled setting.
  • Exergames: These are video games that require physical movement, such as dancing or sports simulations. They are particularly effective in making exercise enjoyable and interactive.

While video games can be an excellent therapeutic tool, we recommend following the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines regarding screen time. 

Check out some of these therapist-approved video games that can help support your loved one’s motor, emotional, cognitive, and social skills: 

  • Nintendo Switch Sports: The evolution of the popular Wii Sports, this game utilizes the Nintendo Switch’s motion controllers to engage players in physical activities such as tennis, bowling, and fencing. It’s excellent for the rehabilitation of mobility and coordination.
  • Mario Party: This is a series of party video games developed by Nintendo. The game revolves around a virtual board where players move using virtual dice, competing in various mini-games. The mini-games range from tests of skill and speed to puzzles and logic games. It is ideal for group play and promotes social interaction and friendly competition.
  • Mario Kart Switch: for the Nintendo Switch, this is an enhanced and expanded version of Mario Kart 8, initially released for the Wii U. This racing game features characters from the Mario universe competing on extravagant and colorful tracks, using a variety of power-ups to gain an edge over their competitors. It is known for its accessible gameplay that levels the playing field for players of all skill levels through its balancing system.
  • Super Smash Bros: is a series of fighting video games that brings together iconic characters from Nintendo games and guest franchises, such as Mario, Link, Pikachu, and many others. Players battle in various arenas, attempting to knock their opponents off the stage. The game is famous for its inclusive gameplay, which allows players of all levels to enjoy it, whether competitively or as casual entertainment.
  • Wii Playground (also known as “EA Playground”): is a game for the Wii console that simulates a virtual playground where players can engage in classic children’s games like Dodgeball and tetherball. It is designed to be accessible and fun for players of all ages, encouraging physical activity and interaction through simple but entertaining mini-games.
  • Just Dance 2023: the latest version of Ubisoft’s Just Dance series allows players to dance following choreographies displayed on the screen, which can be used for rehabilitation exercises involving whole-body movements, coordination, and rhythm.
  • Ring Fit Adventure (Nintendo Switch): combines adventure gaming with exercise. It uses a ring-shaped accessory (Ring-Con) and a leg strap to detect physical movements. Players progress in the game by performing physical activities, which are ideal for strengthening muscles and improving flexibility.

Please consult your provider to explore how video games can be a therapeutic tool for your child.

Video games are more than play; they can be a gateway to healing and growth for children facing medical challenges. By supporting our efforts, you’re not just contributing to their recovery, but giving them a chance to thrive in all aspects of life.

We appreciate your support and generosity. Together, we can transform lives and create a world where every child has the opportunity to excel. 

Donate today at critusa.org and join a community that’s redefining recovery and empowering children to reach their full potential.

Unlocking Potential: Celebrating Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month with Mateo’s Journey

By‎: TELETONUSA /

August is dedicated to raising awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition significantly impacting motor neuron function. It’s also a time to celebrate the progress made in SMA research, offering hope and optimism. SMA affects the nerve cells connecting the brain to the muscles, which are crucial for breathing, walking, and swallowing. As we delve deeper into understanding SMA, we must recognize how it manifests across different age groups, from infants to adults.

Understanding SMA:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, essential for producing a protein that maintains the health of motor neurons. A deficiency in this protein leads to weakened motor neurons, diminishing muscle strength and movement, and causing muscle wasting. The severity of SMA ranges across five types, from the prenatal challenges of Type 0 to the late-onset symptoms of Type 4 in adults.

Mateo’s Story:
Mateo’s journey embodies the resilience and hope specialized therapy can bring to children with SMA. Diagnosed with significant challenges such as scoliosis, which affected his balance and mobility, Mateo began therapy at CRIT in March 2022. Since then, he has made remarkable strides. Initially struggling with limited vocabulary and communication, Mateo has flourished in speech therapy, mastering language skills at par with his peers and overcoming his oral aversions. His occupational and physical therapy progress has slowed his scoliosis and enhanced his motor skills, allowing him more independence with his new custom wheelchair. Mateo’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of dedicated therapeutic support.

Watch Mateo’s progress here.

Your contributions play a pivotal role in our continuing support of children like Mateo. During Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, we invite you to help us extend our reach and enhance our services. Each donation ensures that children with SMA receive the care they need to thrive without boundaries. Join us in making a difference by donating today at https://critusa.org/donar/

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. With your support, CRIT can continue to provide groundbreaking care and hope to many more children like Mateo. Together, we can build a world of greater compassion and hope, empowering children with SMA to lead fulfilling lives.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being part of our community. Your commitment to our cause is invaluable; we are changing lives together.

Nutrition and Wellness During Breastfeeding: Essential Tips

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is crucial during breastfeeding for both your health and your baby’s well-being. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, except for vitamin D, during the first six months. To ensure the quality of your breast milk and support your own health, include a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, proteins, and dairy products or alternatives in your diet.

Nutritious Diet for Breastfeeding
Producing breast milk is demanding on your body, requiring extra calories and specific nutrients. You need about 500 additional calories daily during breastfeeding, totaling around 2,000 to 2,800 kcal per day. Here are key nutrients to focus on and their sources:

  • B Vitamins: Essential for energy and overall well-being. B1 (thiamine): Fish, pork, seeds, nuts, beans. B2 (riboflavin): Cheese, almonds, red meat, oily fish, eggs. B6: Chickpeas, nuts, fish, poultry, potatoes, bananas, dried fruit. B12: Shellfish, liver, yogurt, oily fish, nutritional yeast, eggs, crab, shrimp.
  • Other Crucial Nutrients: Choline: Eggs, beef liver, chicken liver, fish, peanuts. Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, organ meats, eggs. Vitamin D: Cod liver oil, oily fish, some mushrooms, fortified foods. Selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood, turkey, whole wheat, seeds. Iodine: Dried seaweed, cod, milk, iodized salt.

If your diet lacks these nutrients, your body might not transfer enough into breast milk, potentially leading to insufficient intake for both you and your baby.

Importance of Supplements
While a healthy diet is crucial during breastfeeding, supplements can help replenish certain vitamins and minerals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women on vegetarian or vegan diets might struggle to get adequate nutrients from food alone, which can lead to deficiencies. Consult with a doctor, lactation consultant, or dietitian before taking any supplements to avoid potentially unsafe additives and ingredients.

  • Vitamin D: A supplement of 400 IU per day is recommended for breastfed babies and those consuming less than 1 liter of formula daily, starting shortly after birth until 12 months of age. Research suggests that breastfeeding mothers supplementing with 6,400 IU per day can adequately supply vitamin D through breast milk alone.

Foods to Avoid or Limit

  • Seafood: Certain types of seafood should be consumed in limited amounts due to mercury content, which can transfer from mother to infant through breast milk. Follow the recommendations of the US Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Caffeine: Transfers in small amounts through breast milk. Generally, it does not harm the infant when the mother consumes low to moderate amounts—around 300 milligrams or less per day.

Hydration and Weight Loss
Staying hydrated is essential, as breastfeeding women lose an average of 25 ounces of fluid daily through milk production. It’s advisable to wait at least two months for your milk supply to establish before starting any weight loss efforts.
This comprehensive approach not only promotes successful breastfeeding but also supports the general well-being of both mother and child. We hope these tips inspire and empower you on your breastfeeding journey.
If you’re not breastfeeding but know someone who might find these tips helpful, please share this article with them! You’ll be providing valuable information and additional resources for their breastfeeding journey. At Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA, supporting breastfeeding mothers of children with disabilities, is part of our mission as well. If you’d like to contribute to this support, consider making a donation.

Your generosity will be deeply appreciated and will make a significant difference in their lives, click here to support this cause! (critusa.org/donar/)

What is Aquatic Therapy?

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Aquatic therapy is a fun and engaging way to incorporate the five therapeutic properties of water into treatment sessions. At the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), therapists provide a specialized approach to tailor each session to meet every child’s therapy goals through interventions that sometimes cannot be achieved on land.

What are the five properties of water?

  1. Buoyancy is the ability of water to keep the body afloat. Water decreases body weight, making it easier to move. 
  2. Viscosity/cohesion: Water is thicker than air, and its resistance helps strengthen while promoting ease of movement. 
  3. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that water exerts on the body when submerged. This improves circulation, decreases swelling, and provides sensory input. 
  4. Turbulence is the unpredictable motion of water when a liquid is disturbed. It produces a massage effect, which can reduce pain. 
  5. Heat: Higher water temperatures aid in reducing spasticity/muscle tightness and soothe pain.

Who can provide aquatic therapy?

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Recreational Therapists

At CRIT, all therapists undergo specific aquatic therapy training to provide optimal treatment focusing on many areas, including strength, respiration, fine motor skills, tone management, sensory processing, coordination, social communication, range of motion, balance, language, and much more.

Although many children can benefit from aquatic therapy, it is only appropriate for some. If you are interested in trialing aquatic therapy to see if it will help your child, contact your therapist for more information. 

From Your CRIT Counselor: The Purpose of Life

By‎: TELETONUSA /

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” – Robert Byrne

It’s such a small phrase yet so meaningful. Many times, we live our lives without really living them. We exist but do not truly live. We go from home to work and home again. We are on automatic pilot and do things simply because they must get done.

At times, we compare our lives to others. Particularly with social media, it is easy to get trapped in the lives of others and ask why we can not live like that or think we would love to experience their world.

I often wonder how accurate those lives are. Some may be genuine, but I have learned that it is easy to fake a life for a few hours or even days.  Clips on social media can be re-shot or edited. However, it is not possible to re-do moments in life.

Do not compare yourself to others. Your purpose and journey are different than mine, from your neighbor or the person on your screen. Focus on you, your goals and dreams, and your life.

Focus on your family, whether by blood or choice, and create memories. Take time to dream, plan, and execute those plans. Analyze where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. Review what you are doing, what is and is not working, and how to modify and improve. Be intentional.

Make it your purpose to live a life of purpose.

The Endless Possibilities of Sensory Bins

By‎: TELETONUSA /

A sensory bin is a shallow container filled with a base material and various small objects to encourage and enhance play. Some sensory bins utilize a dry material for the base, such as sand, dried beans, or rice. Others are designed for messier play and may use water, shaving cream, or whipped cream as the base. 

Sensory bins can be an excellent tool for targeting a variety of skills, including: 

  • Sensory exploration: Of course, sensory bins provide an opportunity for your child to explore touch, but they can also be an excellent way to explore sight, sound, smell, and even taste with certain mediums.
  • Visual perceptual skills: Seeking items hidden inside a sensory bin is a simple way to work on a variety of visual skills, including figure-ground perception and visual discrimination, all in one activity. 
  • Social skills: Playing in a sensory bin with a therapist, parent, or peer offers natural opportunities to increase joint attention, practice cooperative play and turn-taking, and share items.
  • Fine motor skills: By including tongs, spoons, and other simple tools in your sensory bin, you can increase opportunities for digging, scooping, pouring, and stirring – all of which help strengthen hands and build fine motor skills! 
  • Regulation and calming: Sensory play can be calming for many children, especially when coupled with a lower-stimulation environment (low lights, soft music, etc.). 
  • Language development: Sensory bins provide a naturally rich environment that encourages engagement and connection for increased imitation and building of communicative intent. 

Making a sensory bin at home is a great way to engage with your child while working on skills they’re practicing during therapy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating a sensory bin: 

  • Avoid choking hazards, especially if your child frequently mouths items during play. 
  • Ensure that all materials are non-toxic. 
  • Supervise your child while playing with a sensory bin to ensure safety. 
  • Do not force your child to engage with the materials if they are scared or hesitant. Often, if you begin to play, they will slowly join you on their own! If you still need to, you may introduce a texture they are not ready for. 
  • Swapping out items helps keep children interested and builds connections to seasonal celebrations and holidays. 
  • Sensory bins do not need to be expensive to be beneficial. Simple, natural materials such as dried pinto beans, rice, or plain water make excellent bases for a sensory bin. 
  • Be creative and have fun! 

If you want to create a sensory bin at home and don’t know where to start, talk to your child’s therapist about recommendations and suggestions to support your child’s goals.

From Your CRIT Counselor: Stepping Stones

By‎: TELETONUSA /

“Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones to rise above them.”

In life, we will make mistakes, face challenges and obstacles, and fail. Celebrating our victories and the good things that happen to us is joyous. We want to share our accomplishments with loved ones and sometimes even strangers.

It is much more difficult to discuss our misgivings. What we do after making a mistake, hurting someone, or facing a difficult situation says a lot about us. We can let those mistakes bring us down and live a life of defeat and negativity. Some people have a pattern of blaming others for their failures, errors, or bad fortune. When we do that, we give power to others over us. It trunks our ability to empower ourselves and manage our lives.

Do not let the mistakes of the past negatively affect your future. Our past does not automatically determine our future. Let us instead turn our challenges or mistakes into stepping stones that help us grow, develop resiliency, sharpen our skills, improve our problem-solving abilities, and enlarge our comfort zone.

It’s Time to Check your Car Seat 

By‎: TELETONUSA /

For people with children, car seats are a part of your daily routine. You harness them into their car seat or booster, put your seat belt on, and off you go. But did you know that studies have found that almost 46% of observed car seats and boosters are misused? That means nearly half of the car seats on the road are used or installed incorrectly. Correctly used car seats and boosters decrease the risk of a fatal injury by 71% in infants and 54% in toddlers.”  

Below are a few things to know about car seats: 

  • A child restraint is required for everyone under seven years old and under 57 inches (4ft 9 inches) 
  • A child can use a seat belt only at eight years old and over 57 inches (4ft 9 inches). 

If you answer no to one of the following, your child should still be in at least a booster. 

  1. Do your child’s knees bend at the edge of the vehicle seat? 
  2. Is the lap belt snug across your child’s hips or upper thigh? 
  3. Does the shoulder belt lay across your child’s shoulder and chest and not rub up against the neck? 

Labels and manuals 

  • All car seats have labels with quick tools and information on the side of the car seat. The labels typically include height and weight limits and instructions on leveling the car seat. It is essential to know that every car seat is different.  
  • Every car seat comes with a manual. The manual has detailed instructions on properly installing the car seat and harnessing the child for that particular car seat.  
  • Every vehicle has a manual, which is important in determining which vehicle seats are allowed to have car seats on them, the location of top tethers, and other specifics for child safety.  
  • You can usually find them online if you still need a car seat or vehicle manual.

Harnessing your child 

  • Rear-facing car seat:
    • Harness straps are at or just below the child’s shoulders.
    • The chest clip should always be snug and buckled at the armpit level. 
  • Forward-facing car seat:
    • Harness straps are at or just above the child’s shoulders 
    • The chest clip should always be snug and buckled at the armpit level. 

Installation 

  • A best practice is to follow the car seat manual exactly how they say to install it. There are many different types of car seats, multiple ways to install each car seat, and essential steps for each.  
  • If you are unsure if your car seat is installed correctly, find a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to check your installation. 

When will my child be ready for the next car seat? 

All car seats are crash-tested and have guidelines for minimum and maximum heights and weights for each position. Once your child has met either the height or the weight maximum, it is best to switch to the next position or the following type of car seat. 

As you can see from the information above, many intricacies are critical regarding car seats and keeping your child safe. Most people don’t double-check their car seats routinely or even after they initially install them. However, car seats expire, children grow quickly, and straps can loosen over time, so it is imperative to check your car seats.  

Did you know CRIT has its very own Child Passenger Safety Technician? If you haven’t had your car seat checked recently, contact us to schedule an appointment to assess them and learn how to keep your child safe on the road.

From Your CRIT Counselor: Seeking and Giving Help

By‎: TELETONUSA /

Sometimes, we face challenging situations that are out of our control. We may be in an accident, our car won’t start, or we misplace our keys. Maybe it is an illness we or a loved one faces. These events may happen while we are at home or out and about. In any case, we may need to seek help. 

While we are fortunate to have the technology to reach out through our phones or tablets, what if that is part of the issue? We have no power, our internet connection is out, or we do not have them with us. What do we do then? How do we reach out for assistance? With the uncertainty of our current environment, we may be cautious when seeking and giving help. 

I recently found myself in a situation needing the assistance of strangers. I encountered three types of people with different behaviors. One completely ignored me, another provided some help but wanted to avoid getting too involved, and the third facilitated the opportunity to get me out of my bind.

Each person acted based on their beliefs, thoughts, and experiences. When faced with the opportunity to assist someone, our beliefs, thoughts, and experiences may affect how we respond. Our motivation to assist someone may depend on many factors while hoping someone will help us when needed. What leads you to help and get involved? What holds you back?

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