What is the PaLS Program?

The PaLS Program is a Speech/Occupational Therapy Group designed to enhance and increase sensory, motor, and communication skills of children with various learning differences.
 
The PaLS Program is lead by a Registered Occupational Therapist and Certified Speech Pathologist. Both are highly trained and educated to work with children of varying needs.
 
Treatment is currently performed at Pediatric Therapy, Inc., a fully equipped therapy facility. Each child can practice essential motor, speaking and listening skills in a fun, non-threatening environment, while interacting with their peers.

The PaLS Program targets the following areas and the goals surrounding them:

SENSORY PROCESSING
Regulating environmental stimuli: vestibular (balance), proprioceptive (joint and muscle position), tactile (touch), kinesthetic (joint and muscle movement).
 
LANGUAGE
Learning new vocabulary, improving sentence structure and length.
 
AUDITORY PROCESSING
Improving short term memory, sequencing skills, following directions, recalling details.
 
MOTOR COORDINATION
Improving motor planning, body awareness, fine and gross motor skills.
 
COMMUNICATION
Conversing appropriately, turn taking, maintaining topic, generating and responding to questions, and eye contact.

What happens during PaLS?

PaLS  follows a schedule designed to address the above mentioned goals.

• PaLS Place. This is where the group comes together to learn about the activities for the day.
• GO! PaLS! GO! Here, the children participate in motor and sensory activities, such as maneuvering through obstacle courses, swinging, running, jumping, and utilizing traditional gymnastic equipment.
• SPEAK PaLS/LISTEN PaLS this is where a group language activity is designed to promote expressive and receptive language skills as well as fine motor skills through crafts or cooking. 

The last 10 minutes are spent with the PaLS reconvening to review the day’s event, having a question and answer time and providing parents with information of upcoming activities.
 
If you would like more information on specific dates, times, and locations, please contact Pediatric Therapy, Inc. at 793-3900.  See Calendar of Events.

Who is eligible for the PaLS Program?

The PaLS program is a 4 week course designed for children from 3 to 10 years of age who have been diagnosed with language, processing or sensory motor delays and would benefit from treatment in a structured group setting.
 
The class size is limited to 8 participants per group time. This provides a smaller student-to-therapist ratio so each child will be better served during their “play” time. Classes meet once weekly for one hour.

Who will be instructing the PaLS program?

The class will be instructed by a registered Occupational Therapist and a Speech- Language Pathologist. Assistants, students, and/or volunteers are also utilized in the program.