Our Occupational Therapists are now certified in Therapeutic Listening and after only two weeks of using this new tool, we are thrilled to report some great success stories! 

One of our kiddos diagnosed with autism, has been coming to TherAplay for X years.  During this time, among other goals, our therapists have worked to expand his verbal range beyond his ability to vocalize one or two sounds.  After his first therapeutic listening session at TherAplay, this kiddo is now chattering away with all sorts of new sounds!  While there are more goals to meet, this breakthrough is the jump start we’ve been looking for!

Another kiddo who is diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality has been unwilling to walk for more than 10 – 15 steps before reaching for assistance or sitting down.  While her parents report they have seen some good progress this spring, they have seen nothing like what happened just last week at TherAplay!  After 10 minutes of Therapeutic Listening, this kiddo literally “took off” – with ear phones and MP3 player attached.  She walked non-stop for nearly 15 minutes enjoying the mild weather and taking in the scenery around the TherAplay grounds!  It was a beautiful day in more ways than one!

TherAplay needs to purchase additional Therapeutic Listening modules to build upon the success we have already seen with our kiddos.  On average, a module costs $45.  If you would like to donate funds to help us purchase additional modules and support other programs and services, click here now.  Thank you!   

More about Therapeutic Listening:  Developed by Vital Links, Therapeutic Listening is a research based tool for treating people who have difficulty with processing sensory information, listening, attention, and communication. High quality music, recorded specifically for Therapeutic Listening, is altered to exaggerate the sounds that naturally capture attention and tap into the parts of the brain involved in regulating bodily functions, relating to others, and organizing behavior.

Parents, teachers, and therapists worldwide have seen significant results by using Therapeutic Listening including:

• Increased Focus and Attention

• Better Moods

• Balanced Energy Levels 

• Greater Tolerance to Noise                                        
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• Improved Sleep                                     
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• Better Handwriting

• Fewer Tantrums

• Less Anxiety

Thursday was quite an emotional day here at TherAplay. Our girl Nikki provided her first round of therapy since her accident, and it went off flawlessly. We couldn't be more proud of Nikki's triumph over tragedy, nor can we say enough about how grateful we are of those who donated to her veterinary costs. We are also honored to have such patient, kind and knowledgeable staff to handle situations like this. And last but not least, while we're handing out props, we would like to thank our rider, who you may recognize from Marge's first ride. He's a true cowboy, willing to "break-in" any mare that comes his way. YEEHAA!

 

They don't come much sweeter than this!

      TherAplay's newest four-legged employee has officially clocked in! Marge gave her first round of therapy today, and as you can see from the above picture, her "client" was quite satisfied with the ride. We are so happy and excited to welcome Marge to the TherAplay Family. Feel free to stop by and greet her. We guarantee, she want won't turn down a carrot or peppermint.

Our faithful therapy horse Nikki had an accident last night leaving her with a detached retina, bone chips and facial fractures. Our special girl is undergoing emergency surgery this afternoon so she can continue to be a loving companion and therapy horse for TherAplay kiddos. Please send good wishes and positive thoughts to get Nikki back up and galloping. If you would like to contribute to Nikki's medical expenses please donate now. All monies will go toward her care and her fellow four legged staff who will be stepping in for Nikki during her recovery.




 

Children's TherAplay, a nationally renowned and unique not-for-profit outpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility, is looking for both full and part time Physical and Occupational Therapists to add to our talented clinical team in Carmel, Indiana (Indianapolis).

For more information, visit our Careers page.

Check out the great article about Breinne and TherAplay from this past Sunday's Indianapolis Star.

TherAplay manager is enjoying the ride

When Breinne Lasley needs a break, she escapes to the stables of The Children's TherAplay Foundation Inc. in Carmel to visit Rocky, her favorite horse, who acts more like a dog.

"He loves attention, and sometimes his tongue will stick out the side of his mouth," she said.

As the administrative manager at TherAplay, Lasley is responsible for making sure funds keep coming in order to continue to provide physical and occupational therapy. To keep costs down, she and her staff do most of the cleaning themselves -- this includes the bathrooms. Barn workers take care of the stables.

Lasley serves as TherAplay's volunteer coordinator, event planner and decision maker. She is on the planning committee for TherAplay's three biggest fundraisers: a Hoe-Down and Casino Night held each September, a golf outing and the Walking for Dreams Family & Pet Walk.

4MyChild (www.cerebralpalsy.org) recently posted the following article about the benefits of Hippotherapy for children with Cerebral Palsy.

A Walk on the Wild Side May Help Your Child Thrive

The Hippotherapy Alternative

When you find out that your child has cerebral palsy, you are concerned that his opportunities for fun and recreation will be forever limited. You desperately want to spare him the pain of being cooped up in a hospital room for treatment sessions while his friends run and play outdoors.

However, today's therapeutic options for youngsters with CP offer up the kind of thrills and adventure that any child would remember for a lifetime.

Click here to read entire article