Episode 41 of the Airway First podcast is now out! You can catch this and all other episodes on Apple, SoundCloud, Podbean, RSS, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. And don't forget to check us out on YouTube!
My guest today is Annmarie DeMarco. Annmarie is a pediatric occupational therapist providing in-home visits with a focus on child development in Fairfield and New Haven County, CT. She specializes in sensory processing, developmental delays, primitive reflex integration, as well as children with autism and ADHD.
She currently works in the birth to 3 settings. She takes a holistic approach to treatment.
She is passionate about educating caregivers and parents, regarding their child’s sensory processing needs while promoting overall growth and fine motor development. Annemarie’s goal, as an occupational therapist, is to ultimately improve a child’s independence with their activities of daily living.
You can find out more about Annmarie at annmarieot.com.
Over 85% of my caseload has some kind of airway issue. ~ Annemaire DeMarco
Show Notes:
Website: annmarieot.com
What are primitive reflexes? Read the blog
What is sensory interception? Read the blog
Occupational Therapist Tool - Search for Occupational Therapist
Airway First Podcast Episode 31 with Special Guest Brittny Murphy
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception is one of our eight senses...yes, eight. Within our joints and muscles are sensors that communicate to our brain where our body is in our environment. When we leap, walk, sit, climb, or jump, our proprioception helps us to keep track of our position. We can run into problems if those sensors aren't working well, and we're not quite sure where we are in space.
An input of proprioceptive information or heavy work is usually calming. The muscles and joints receive additional sensory information when they work harder. It sounds complicated, but in essence, any activity that makes them work harder will do this. Consequently, they can communicate more effectively with the brain, and the input can be calming.
In a nutshell, it provides your child with more opportunities for heavy work. Heavy work activities include (see the full list and more information on annmaireot.com):
Jumping and crashing into a pile of blankets and pillows
Helping you carry groceries inside and putting food items away
Pushing or pulling heavy boxes across the floor (like a box of diapers) or laundry basket with clothes inside.
Animal walks (walk like a bear, jump like a frog)
EDUCATION IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HELP FOR YOUR CHILD
Education is the first step for any parent concerned about their child's ability to breathe, sleep, and maintain proper oral health.
The Children's Airway First Foundation Resource library has information that can aid in identifying symptoms and providing guidance on the first steps towards helping your child with an airway disorder.
As with any medical condition, consult your child's pediatrician should you see any of these symptoms in your child or if you suspect your child is suffering from an airway disorder.
