Tree Top Talk - Hamilton Health Care System (2024)

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute

Welcome to the quarterly newsletter to provide you with updates about the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.
Have questions? We have answers.

May 2024

May is Better Sleep Health Month

It is well-known that getting enough sleep at night has many advantages for children. A healthier immune system, fewer behavior problems at school, and overall improved mental health are just a few. In honor of May being Better Sleep Health Month, here are some tips to help you and your child sleep well.

1)Develop a clear nighttime routine. It can start early into the evening and should be the same every night. An example of a routine is bath time, brushing teeth, reading a book, and then getting in bed. Stick to the routine even on weekends and vacations.

2)Create a calm environment towards the evening hours. The lights should be dim, and activities should be kept to a minimum. There may be a better time to be doing homework or any other activities that may be stressful.

3)Avoid screen exposure as bedtime approaches. Instead, have books available to read, or just make up a story and spend time talking with your child.

4)Space mealtimes with plenty of time before bedtime and avoid heavy foods, sugar, and caffeine that may keep your child awake.

April 2024

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is thrilled to share the Howalt Arts and Wellness program with our patients and their families! Please read what Amanda Brown, Executive Director of the Creative Arts Guild, says about the program.

“We are most excited to introduce the new Howalt Arts and Wellness program – a partnership among Creative Arts Guild, Hamilton Health Care System, and Whitfield Healthcare Foundation. This program aims to humanize the healthcare experience by offering arts experiences at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute for patients and their families. Artists in Residence will be consistently present at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute; Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 11 AM and from 1 to 3 PM to facilitate arts projects and happenings in the micro-market on the second floor. All patients of Anna Shaw Children’s Institute and their siblings and families are welcome to attend at any moment in a drop-in manner. We hope you plan to arrive 15 minutes early or stay 15 minutes after your appointment to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!”

The Howalt Arts and Wellness program is made possible through the generosity of the Howalt family. We express our deepest gratitude for their commitment to enhancing the lives of the children and families we serve as we offer new avenues for expression, communication, and development through the arts. We look forward to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment filled with joy and creativity for our children, families, and staff.

March 2024

Signs of spring are showing up slowly but surely! We are excited to kick off the spring season with outdoor fun and family-friendly activities! All of us at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute would like to invite the entire community to our Easter Egg-Stravaganza on March 16, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will be at Miracle Field, located at 1519 Mount Vernon Rd., Rocky Face, GA. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to attend. Enjoy activities such as a petting zoo, baby chicks, balloon animals, pick-up ducks, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and more! Egg hunts will be available at specific intervals, but activities will continue throughout the afternoon for everyone!

February 2024

For February, we want to share an activity that is fun and a great way to show some love! All kids need to hear positive things about themselves. The positive things we say to our children will influence them more than you think. I once heard someone say that what we say to our kids will eventually become their inner voice. If that is the case, how important are the words we say to them daily?

This craft is the perfect chance to say all the things about our kiddos that we love and adore. All you will need is hearts cut out of paper and a marker. Write down one thing you love about your child each day in February. While sleeping or at school, tape the heart to their door or somewhere in the house they can see. They will be so excited each day to find another heart with uplifting words.

If you need help thinking of daily affirmations to write, we have given you several ideas below!

💙 I am thankful for you!

💙 You are so kind.

💙 You are so generous.

💙 You give the best hugs.

💙 You are great at ______.

💙 You have the best smile!

💙 You make me laugh!

💙 You are so creative!

💙 You are good at _____.

💙 You are helpful.

💙 I love hanging out with you.

💙 You are a good friend.

December 2023

Christmas Craft Time!

There is nothing better than a family-friendly craft to get us in the mood for Christmas! Doing crafts with our children has a ton of benefits that you may not even realize. It engages their sense of touch, sight, and sound. It helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It helps them explore their own creative style. On top of all that, it creates bonding time with your child. It allows your child to talk about what is going on in their lives and share experiences together!

We have put together a simple craft with step-by-step directions to try out with your family and create some cute Christmas decor that can be used every year!

Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need pinecones, cotton balls, glue, green paint, paintbrushes, and anything you want to decorate your tree. Some ideas for decorations are: puff balls, stars, stickers, glitter, or anything you may already have on hand.

Step 2: Paint your pinecones! This is great fine motor work for everyone.

Step 3: Let your tree dry and glue them on your cotton balls. This will be the snow under your tree.

Step 4: Last, glue all your decorations on and enjoy!!

November 2023

November is National Family Literacy Month

Since November is National Family Literacy Month, we will discuss how your family can prioritize reading. We know families are already busy with so much to squeeze in one day, but we believe that reading can have such a positive impact! We have put together four ideas to help your family make reading a fun part of everyone’s day rather than just another task on your list.

1. Find a time during the day to set aside just for reading. If you only have 5-10 minutes, that is enough. After a few days, it will come as second nature. Right before bedtime is a great time. It provides a transition from getting baths and doing homework into the quiet and calm of sleep. If bedtime does not work for you, it can be anytime: in the morning while eating breakfast or while dinner is being prepared.
2. Let your child choose the book, or if you have multiple children, take turns and let each family member select the book that day. It will give them something to look forward to when it is their day to choose. As children get older, they can even have a turn to read the book to the family.
3. As children get older and can sit longer, choose chapter books in a series. You will notice they will look forward to family reading time to see what happens next (and so will you)! If your child is younger, take the time to point to the pictures on each page of the book and identify them aloud. This will help expand their vocabulary.
4. Keep a selection of books for everyone to choose from with a lot of variety. Pick up books every chance you get when they are on sale, at yard sales, or check them out from the library. Keep the books that interest you and your children on hand and always accessible.

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October 2023

Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween

Halloween can be a fun time but can also be a stressful time. We have put together some tips and tricks to make your Halloween safer and hopefully more comfortable for all your little ghouls and goblins.

Choose your costumes wisely. Make sure the costume is sensory-friendly. Choose comfortable costumes that are easy to put on and take off. Also, be sure that they are not too tight and that they are easy to move around in.

Do your homework ahead of time. Plan the route and become familiar with the neighborhood in which you plan to trick or treat. Try on costumes ahead of time and practice walking in and wearing them for a length of time. If there are any scratchy, uncomfortable parts, you can fix those ahead of time. Discuss what to expect with your child, and even do some role play by saying “trick or treat” and “thank you.”

Pack a bag with essentials to take with you. Bring snacks, water, and anything that might make the evening more comfortable. Medicines and communication devices that might be needed, band-aids, and chapstick might all be things to make the night more comfortable.

Make sure your child can be visible at night. Choose light-colored clothing and put reflective tape on costumes to ensure your child can be seen as it gets darker. Carrying glow sticks and flashlights is another great way to be visible.

Consider putting your child in a stroller or wagon to keep them nearby. You could even make it part of their costume, such as a carriage or other accessory that may go with the costume. You could also do this with anything your child uses to assist them.

If your child is not interested in trick or treating, staying home to give out candy can be fun, too! Remember, if you stay home to give out candy, trick or treating may look different for everyone. Some children may be nonverbal and not say “trick or treat” or “thank you.” Some children may not be wearing costumes due to sensory differences. The child who grabs a handful of candy might have fine motor difficulties. Try handing out candy to them instead if this is a concern. Everyone’s Halloween and trick-or-treating experience will look different, but we are all just looking to have fun!

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September 2023

Sun Catcher Leaves for Fall

Fall is in the air! We are excited to welcome cooler weather with all the sweltering heat we have endured. With fall comes change: changing of the colors around us, changing of the weather, and changing of the night sky coming a little sooner than it has been. Fall is the perfect time to go outdoors with family and friends and soak in the beautiful colors and cool temperatures. Even though the leaves haven’t quite changed around us just yet, we have a way that you can make your own. This fall craft will be one that everyone in the family can participate in, and it makes a lovely decoration to look at through your windows. These fall leaf sun catchers are gorgeous when the sun hits them just right, and you are sure to get in some good time with your kiddo while making them.

Sun Catcher Leaves for Fall

Here are the materials that you will need to gather:

• Leaf template or draw a leaf yourself (remember, no leaf is perfectly shaped)
• Coffee filters (as many leaves as you want to make)
• Fall-colored markers (brown, orange, red, and yellow)
• Dish or pan
• Water dropper or water spray bottle

Step 1: Trace the shape of leaves onto the coffee filters.
Step 2: Cut the leaf pattern out of the coffee filter
Step 3: Color the leaf with the fall colors you chose. It can be a scribble or a design. It doesn’t matter because the colors will all blend together.
Step 4: Drop water (with the water dropper or water spray bottle) on the colored coffee filter and
watch the colors blend together and mix. Be careful not to over-saturate the filter as it will take a
very long time to dry out or might rip.
Step 5: Once the filter has dried, hang them up in your window with a small piece of clear tape
and enjoy the beautiful view of fall colors!

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August 2023

Getting Back to the Back-to-School Routine

Getting into a back-to-school routine can be challenging, but a routine provides the structure to stay focused and motivated to accomplish a task. Routines also provide a child with a sense of security and help alleviate stress and anxiety.
We have put together some tips for creating a back-to-school morning routine that will allow a calm morning and set the tone for a great day for you and your children.

1. Get a head start on the day by planning the night before. If possible, bathe and shower at night to eliminate one more task to do in the morning. Prepare food for breakfast, pack lunches, and set out clothes the night before. Also, check your calendar and messages the night before to see if anything special is needed for the next day (hat day, pajama day, etc.) That way, you are not rushing to find things at the last minute.
2. Write out a morning schedule and post it in a central location. Attach pictures of each task, such as brushing teeth, putting on clothes, etc. By creating this schedule, your child can see which task is at hand and what is left to do before heading out the door. This will cut down on the time it takes to keep reminding them what has to be done.
3. Use a visual timer. Time is a complex concept that most children need help to fully grasp. Giving them a timer to see how much time is left will help keep them from getting off track or distracted.
4. Add an extra 15 minutes to the morning routine to allow for things that might come up. An unexpected spill or change of clothes will not be as stressful if there is time to deal with it. If you end up not needing the extra time, it will give you a few minutes to talk to your children about what is on their minds or maybe even read a book, allowing the day to start peacefully rather than rushed.
5. Create spaces for the things they use and need every morning. Shoes in a cubby, a backpack on a hook by the door, and a lunch box in a basket will keep the time searching for essentials to a minimum. Make sure they know where these spaces are and always return the items to their designated area when they get home in the afternoon.
6. We hope these tips will take some of the stress out of your mornings and that everyone has a wonderful new school year!

July 2023

Summer Learning Can Be Fun!

In this edition of Tree Top Talk, we will discuss the “summer slide” and ways we can beat it. The summer slide is when our children start to lose knowledge due to being out of school. It might seem daunting to continue learning through the summer, but it can be easy and even fun! It doesn’t require a desk or a classroom. Your child can continue learning wherever they are!

If you don’t do any other learning this summer, make reading a priority! Read to your child, encourage them to read independently, as a family, or have them read to you. Read inside or outside. Read in the car or at the beach. Whichever way you do it just read. There are many ways to keep reading through the summer.

• Check out your local library for reading programs. Many libraries give prizes for reading!
• Choose a book to read to your children, then make a craft to go along with the book, and prepare and eat a snack that goes with the book’s theme.
• There are also many books that have inspired movies or cartoons. Have everyone read the book and then watch the movie. Be sure to discuss the book’s and movie’s differences and similarities. Also, be sure to give your opinions on which was best, the book or the movie.
• Let your children choose which books they want to read over summer break. Reading material that interests them will feel less like learning!
• You can also sneak in reading. Ask them to read the children’s menu at restaurants, traffic signs, board game instructions, and kitchen labels while you cook.

Science is happening all around us, and summer is the perfect time to slow down and observe it.

• Take a walk outside and point out all the different plants, animals, birds, types of weather, or even bodies of water you may see. If you see something interesting that you don’t know much about, research it. Notice what your child shows interest in and expand on those interests.
• If your child is interested in plants, consider growing a garden.
• If the night sky catches their attention, research the moon and stars and participate in star gazing.
• If birds catch their eye, talk about their different songs and try to identify some. There are lots of fun and free apps that identify birds by their sounds.

Keep numbers fresh on their minds with some math fun!

• At the grocery store, discuss what items cost and calculate the total. Even punching the numbers in on a calculator can benefit their concept of numbers.
• You can point out the numbers at a restaurant and ask what costs are the most or the least on the menu.
• In the kitchen, have them measure out ingredients for a recipe. Studying measuring cups can provide a clear visual for learning about parts of a whole and fractions. Estimation exercises in the kitchen can be fun too. Ask, “How many apples do you think it would take to fill this bowl?” then count the apples and compare estimations.
• Pointing out numbers everywhere on road signs, clocks, price tags, calendars, and clothing can keep numbers fresh on the mind!

June 2023

It’s Summertime!

June is finally here, and with it comes the long, lazy days of summer! With these long, lazy days also come the two words parents dread to hear, “I’m bored!” So, we have compiled a list of free and inexpensive things you and your children can do this summer to get them out from behind the screen and having fun.

Have a picnic. Have your next meal outside! Put a blanket on the ground and enjoy your meal outdoors. Read a book, or take in the great outdoors.

Make popsicles. Fill cups or ice trays with juice or whatever you have in the fridge. A popsicle on a hot summer day is sure to bring smiles and giggles.

Have a movie night. Pop some popcorn. Put on a movie everyone will enjoy and spend some family time together.

Take a trip to your library. Most libraries have summer activities or reading programs. Some even offer prizes! Be sure to check out a few books while you are there!

Check out playgrounds and parks in your area. There are a lot of great playgrounds and parks to visit in our region. Play on the equipment or take a hike on a nature trail.

Have a water day. Set up sprinklers, turn on the water hose, and let the fun begin!

Start a garden. Plant a seed from a fruit or veggie you have eaten and see if it grows. If it starts growing, plant it in the yard and keep watering it to start your garden.

Have a game night. Let everyone pick out their favorite board game and get competitive!

Wake up early or stay up late to watch the sunrise or sunset. Nothing is more beautiful, so use summertime to slow down life and enjoy all the beauty nature offers.

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May 2023

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How to Create a Calm-Down Corner

May is an exciting yet busy time of year for most families. The school year is ending, and summer vacation is beginning. There are many activities planned to celebrate the school year that is coming to an end. This can be an enjoyable time with fun activities planned to ring in the sweet summertime! However, for many of us and our children, it can also be an overwhelming and stressful time of year. One of the things we can do to give everyone a space to rest and regulate emotions during busy times is to create a calm-down corner in our homes. It’s simple, and we can use items we already have!

How to Create a Calm-Down Corner in Your Home

1. The first thing to do is decide where the space should be.
   It does not necessarily have to be a corner. Pick a place in your home that is fully visible but free of major distractions. The location should be quiet with no heavy traffic. It does not have to be a large space. It just needs to be large enough for one person to sit comfortably.
   
2. Next, decide what should go in your calm-down corner. Think about things your child already uses to calm down. One idea is to look for soft, comforting items you have in your home. Your child’s favorite blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals are all great ideas. A soft rug can give the space a soft, warm feel. Printed signs of feelings charts and an emotional thermometer would be helpful as a reminder for your child of how to identify how they are feeling and how to get to their calm zone. Other ideas are stress balls, favorite calming books, and favorite soft music. A journal can be included for older children or coloring supplies for younger ones. Be sure to ask your child for input on what to include in the calm-down corner to ensure the space meets your child’s needs.
   
3. Teach your child how to use the calm down corner. Explain the purpose of the calm down corner to your child. Help your child by reminding them to use it when you see they are becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated. Limit interaction and distraction while your child is calming down, but check in with your child once they are calm to discuss how they feel now versus how they felt previously.

For additional resources or information, please call Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Nurse Navigator Krista Rogers, LPN, at 706.226.8912.

Read the entire issue here.

April 2023

Click Here to Listen to Our English and Spanish Podcasts!

Autism Acceptance Month

April is known for spring, flowers, and Autism Awareness Month. This April, we are encouraging everyone to focus on the inclusion and acceptance of those with differing abilities, beginning with changing the title from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance. Many self-advocates for autism spectrum disorders view their abilities as a difference in thinking, not something that needs to be cured. They ask for acceptance and support in their strengths and weaknesses.

What is Autism?

• Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
• Autism presents a wide variety of symptoms, which is why this diagnosis is referred to as autism spectrum disorder.
• Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism Facts and Stats:

• Autism now affects 1 in 36 children. (CDC, 2023)
• Children with autism can make progress. Early intervention is key to this growth. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls.
• Autism symptoms vary from person to person. No two people with autism are alike. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder.
• Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socioeconomic status.

What Can You Do?

• Learn about Autism
• Reach out and listen to parents of a child with autism.
• Talk to children about accepting individuals who have differing abilities.
• Recognize strengths rather than just difficulties of people with ASD.
• Advocate for parents and individuals with different abilities.
• Remember to love and enjoy your child, they are a child first, and their diagnosis does not define them.

For additional resources or information, please call Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Nurse Navigator Krista Rogers, LPN, at 706.226.8912.

Resources:
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/april-is-autism-awareness-month/
https://thehealinghaven.net/5-ways-to-support-autism-acceptance-month

March 2023

Click Here to Listen to Our English and Spanish Podcasts!

What Do Social Workers Do?

March is Social Worker month! So what do social workers do? Social workers tackle poverty, advocate for the vulnerable, and support mental health. Simply put, they change the world! As the nation deals with the fallout from the COVID pandemic, communities across the country rely on social workers for guidance and support. A social worker’s overarching mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.
If your child has a disability, social workers and other professionals can help your child and your family. You may meet social workers in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals and long-term care facilities Schools
• Child welfare agencies
• Mental health centers
• Private practice

Social workers in community mental health agencies provide services to children and families. The services available will vary from one agency to another, but standard services are psychosocial groups, respite care, counseling/therapy, and case management. Social workers may lead psychosocial groups for children and youth. A psychosocial group is a group made up of children or adolescents along with mental/behavioral health staff. The staff members guide activities to work on social skills, teach problem-solving skills, and identify personal strengths, interests, and abilities. These groups are often available at Community Behavioral Health Centers.
Social workers may help families get respite care. Respite care is a service that gives parents or other caregivers a break from caring for a child with a disability. Social workers work in the best interest of the child and family to obtain any resources that would be beneficial.
Thank a social worker today!

Resource: https://onlinesocialwork.vcu.edu/blog/benefits-of-being-a-social-worker/

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February 2023

Click Here to Listen to Our English and Spanish Podcasts!

Keeping Children Active in Winter

It’s that time of year! The days are shorter, and the air is colder. While snuggling up on your couch under a blanket may be all you want to do, the need for exercise doesn’t hibernate for the winter. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your kids active.

Outside
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean your kids have to stay inside. Dress them warmly, in layers, with a hat, scarf, mittens, and/or gloves, and try doing one of the following:

• Go for a walk or a jog.
• Chase bubbles. If it’s cold enough, they will freeze.
• Go to a playground, play tag, shoot baskets, or kick a soccer ball if the ground is dry.

Around the House
Clear some space in your home for active play, so your children can enjoy moving around without the risk of hurting themselves or breaking something.

• Turn on music and dance. Try using glow sticks to make it extra fun!
• Play games that require movement. Twister is a great example. Simon Says and Charades require no special equipment, and you can make them as active as you like. Break out the Wii or Xbox games that require movement.
• Create a “move jar.” Fill it with slips of paper with words, phrases, or drawings that call for movement. For example, animal walks or movements like “monster walk.” Have each child pick a movement for you to do together.
• Set up an obstacle course or jumping area with cushions and pillows for a young child. Engage in active play with toys your child enjoys, such as moving toy cars and trucks around the house or pushing a baby doll in a play stroller.
• Use tape to make a hopscotch pattern on the floor.
• Set up an indoor basketball hoop, if you have the space, or put out a tumbling mat. Bring out jump ropes, hula hoops, or riding and push toys. Have hallway races.

Community Play Spaces and Sports Facilities

• Find out if there’s an indoor play space in your community for younger children. Check your local recreation center for classes and activities for older children. Go ice skating or roller skating.
• Go bowling.
• Visit an indoor rock-climbing center or trampoline park.
• Take a long walk inside the local mall.

December 2022

Shopping for Toys Safely

It’s the month of December, so you know what that means…fun and family time for the holidays. This month, we practice gift-giving to show the people in our lives that we love and care for them dearly, especially those adorable little kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. So, the last thing you would want to do is gift a toy that could potentially cause harm. We want to encourage you to choose wisely when gift shopping this holiday. Below are some concerns and safety tips that you can practice to help the children in your life have a fun and safe holiday.

Small Balls and Other Toys With Small Parts

• Toys with small parts are likely to cause choking if swallowed. A size guide for identifying small parts would be anything small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll.
• Do not gift these toys with small parts to children younger than age three or any children with differing abilities.
• Read the labels to get an idea of the appropriate ages, and remember to consider the child’s functional age as well as their age in years.

Balloons

• Choose mylar balloons rather than latex balloons. Latex balloons have always been dangerous for children of varying ages.
• Latex balloons can cause choking and suffocation, especially when broken. Supervise children with all types of balloons.
• Remove popped balloons from the environment as soon as they pop, and avoid giving these to children younger than eight.

Riding Toys

• Riding toys include bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc.
• The first thing to note is to buy the appropriate size per the child’s age.
• It is the safest practice to gift a bicycle with training wheels.
• When gifting a bicycle, include safety gear such as a helmet and knee pads.

Magnets

• Toys or gifts with magnets are unsuitable for children who put non-edible items in their mouths.
• If you can, avoid all high-powered magnet sets, as these are dangerous for even adults.

General Tips

• Before allowing your child to play with a new toy, clean or wash it as appropriate, and check the toy thoroughly for loose parts. Also, read instruction manuals and warning labels for safe usage.
• When shopping for a toy or gift, read warning labels and check the recommended age. Check to ensure that all crayons etc., are non-toxic.
• Throw away all gift wrapping and ribbons after children have opened their gifts. Avoid toys with ropes for children younger than eight years.

Resource: https://www.siouxcenterhealth.org/latest-news-and-blog/national-safe-toys-and-gifts-month-with-child-family-services/

November 2022

Reading Together as a Family

Get the whole family together and enjoy some reading. If you are reading to toddlers or school-age children, try to remember when you were young, and the way you liked listening to your parents or teachers read with excitement in their voice, and when they gave you enough time to look at the pictures as well as listening to the words. Here are a few things you can do to participate in National Family Literacy Month.

• Set aside a little time for reading every day, even if it’s only for 15 or so minutes. Go through old and new books, and set some of your favorites around the house. They make cute decorations, and maybe one of the kids will pick one up and start reading!
• Take a few trips to the library.
• Read your child the book version of their favorite movie. If they can read on their own, encourage them to read it!
• Start a book club with friends and family.
• Participate in a book drive and donate old or used books you no longer need. This will help families in need read to their kids.

Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Literacy Activities
Talking and Singing Activities
Talking and singing with young children helps them to develop listening and speaking skills. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use rhyme whenever you can. Use phrases like ‘snug as a bug in a rug’ or makeup rhymes about things you’re doing.
• Sing nursery rhymes with your child. Nursery rhymes teach your child language, rhyme, repetition, and rhythm.
• Repeat sounds your child makes, or make up sounds and see whether your child can copy them.
• At mealtimes, talk about the food you’re preparing, what you’re doing to it, how it tastes, and what it looks like.
• Talk about objects outside the house – for example, the rustling of leaves or the sounds of the birds or traffic. Ask your child to make the sounds for wind, rain, water, airplanes, trains, and cars.
• Play games like ‘I spy’ using colors. This can be fun, especially for preschoolers.

Reading and Book-Based Activities
Reading with children develops their vocabulary, ability to listen and understand, and connect sounds and words. It also helps children learn about the world around them. Your child might like these activities:

• Try books with rhyme, rhythm, and repetition.
• Encourage your child to turn the pages and talk about what they see. Use your finger to guide your child’s eyes from left to right across the page as you read and point out specific words or phrases.
• For babies and toddlers, include lift-the-flap books or touch-and-feel books. You could even make your own book with objects your child likes to look at and touch. Encourage your child to take the lead with reading – for example, ‘Where do we start reading?’ Every so often, stop reading and ask your child what they think will happen next.
• Link books with real life. For example, if you’ve read a book about playing in a park, you might like to take your child to the local park and point out swings that look like the ones in the book.
• Encourage your child to act out the story that you’re reading. For example, you can ask your child to hop like the kangaroo in the book.

School-Age Children:
Literacy Activities Talking Activities

• Play word games that encourage your child to learn sounds. For example, ‘I spy with my little eye something beginning with f-f-f. What do you think I’m looking at that starts with that sound?’
• Ask your child about words that rhyme. For example, ‘What other words sound like a car?’
• Ask your child to make a sound or sound combination, then think of words with that sound.
• Talk about the past. Ask your child to tell you something they enjoyed doing at school that week.
• Talk about the future. Tell your child what you’ll do the next day or on the weekend, or ask your child to tell you what they need to do before bed.
• Give your child simple instructions to follow, and ask your child to repeat the instructions back to you. Gradually increase the number of steps based on how many your child can follow.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/november-monthly-observations/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/literacy-reading-stories/literacy-activities

October 2022

Tips and Tricks for a Safe Halloween

Halloween can be very overwhelming due to the different sights and sounds and all of the interactions with strangers. Here are some helpful tips for children who
experience sensory issues and anxiety:

Tips to Make Halloween Sensory-Friendly

• Offer an alternative fun Halloween night event (e.g., family movie night)
• Go trick-or-treating at an earlier time of the evening. If it is not possible, prepare your child for what they may experience
• Be accepting of the Halloween costume your child chooses, ensuring that they are comfortable in the texture of the clothing
• Have some sensory-friendly toys handy (e.g., fidget spinners, tangle toys) Judge whether an environment is over-stimulating with sounds/people; often, children with sensory overload do not know they have reached their limit until it is too late

Tips to Make Halloween Enjoyable for Children with Anxiety

• Use Halloween social stories and prepare the child for what trick-or-treating is like Walk in your neighborhood during the day and point to familiar sights
• Discuss real concepts vs. pretend concepts
• Limit the scary decorations and spooky special effects
• Make sure the area you go trick-or-treating is well-lit
• Avoid wearing masks or scary costumes. If child witnesses others wearing masks/scary costumes emphasize that they are not real

Tips to Make Halloween Enjoyable for non-Verbal or visual issues Children

• Some children may not be able to verbalize “trick-or-treat” or respond with “thank you;” thus, it is important to not push for verbal responses
• For parents who have children with special needs, consider buying or making a trick-or-treat bag that lets people know (e.g., Have a trick-or-treat bag that says, “I can’t say trick-or-treat yet, but I’m trying!”)
• Make sure children can see your face and your mouth when handing out treats, particularly for those with speech issues or hearing issues
• Be prepared to describe treats for those with vision issues

If you have questions, please contact Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Nurse Navigator Krista Rogers, LPN, at 706-226-8912.
Resource: https://exceptionalspeechtherapy.com/halloween-for-children-with-special-needs/

Read the full issue here.

September 2022

Apraxia of Speech in Children

In order for speech to occur, messages need to go from your brain to your mouth. These messages tell the muscles how and when to move to make sounds. A child with apraxia knows what they want to say. The problem is not how the child thinks but how the brain tells the mouth muscles to move. The child might not be able to move his lips or tongue in the right ways, even though their muscles are not weak. Sometimes, the child might not be able to say many words, and speech therapy is recommended for treatment.
Not all children with apraxia are the same. Your child may show some or all of the signs below. You should talk to your doctor and be referred to a Speech Language Pathologist if your child is older than three years and:

• does not always say words the same way every time
• tends to put stress on the wrong syllable or word
• distorts or changes sounds
• can say shorter words more clearly than longer words
• has difficulty with fine motor skills
• has delayed language
• has problems with reading, spelling, and writing

The goal of treatment is to help your child say sounds, words, and sentences more clearly. Your child will learn how to plan the movements needed to say sounds and make those movements the right way at the right time.
Doing exercises to make the mouth muscles stronger will not help. Mouth muscles are not weak in children with apraxia. Working on how to move those muscles to say sounds will help.
Your child must practice speaking to get better at it. It helps to use all the senses when learning how to say sounds. Your child may use “touch” cues, like putting their finger on their lips when saying the “p” sound as a reminder to close the lips, “visual” cues, like looking into a mirror when making sounds, or “listening” cues, like practicing sounds with a recorder and then listening to hear if the sounds were made correctly.
Other ways for your child to communicate are by learning sign language or may also learn to use picture boards or computers that talk. This is called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
If you have questions, please contact Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Nurse Navigator, Krista Rogers, LPN, at 706-226-8912.
​www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhood-apraxia-of-speech/

Read the full issue here.

August 2022

Ready or Not, It’s Time for “Back to School”

As the end of summer nears, children are gearing up for school again or maybe for the first time. Starting school can be exciting, but it can also come with many fears of the unknown. Below are some tips on how to prepare your children for a successful start to the new school year.

Develop and follow routines. Setting routines should be a priority in preparing your children for school. Begin practicing no later than two weeks before the start of the school year. Be sure to establish a consistent bedtime and bedtime routine. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to making the morning go as planned. Set up morning routines that will transfer into a school setting. Getting up around the same time every day, getting dressed, and having an early breakfast together is a great way to transition to school.

Help them to develop independence at home. Encourage your children to dress themselves and put on their shoes. Your children should be able to use the bathroom without assistance and wash their hands without reminders. Provide serving spoons so your children can serve themselves at the table and clear their own dishes. In cooler weather, teach them to take their coat off and put it in its proper place. These skills will take them from the coatroom to the lunchroom and beyond.

Focus on self-help skills. Your children should know how to clean their faces after lunch without prompting and blow their noses without assistance. Be sure that your children are comfortable asking an adult for help when necessary.

Teach responsibility. Start transferring small responsibilities over to your children if you haven’t already. After a family trip to the pool, you might put your children in charge of emptying the backpack, refilling the water bottles, or hanging up their wet swimsuits. Even when it may be easier for you to complete these tasks, let them accept the responsibility.

Read aloud to your children. Sign your children up for library cards, take them to the library to check out books, and be sure to read to them daily. Read a variety of books, read the captions under pictures in the newspaper, and even share the comics. Just read!

Engage in meaningful literacy activities. Encourage your children to help you with thank you cards, shopping lists, or notes. They may start with scribbles or pictures, move into scattered letters, and finally, some recognizable words as they enter school. Appreciate their attempts and watch their skills develop with practice.

Acknowledge their feelings. Avoid talking about school too much or waiting until the end of summer to bring up the subject. Your children may express nervousness or feel very excited to start school. Whatever they feel, take time to appreciate where they are.
Once school has started, talk to your children about their day. Talking with your children about their day will allow you to learn what they are doing at school and help you to communicate how important school is for them. Some helpful conversation starters are:

• “How was school today?”
• “Tell me one new thing you did or learned about today.”
• “Tell me one thing that was difficult for you today.”
• “Who did you play with today?”

Being active in your children’s school day with conversation and encouragement has shown to lead to higher grades and test scores, as well as better social skills and behavior.

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/kindergarten-here-we-come

Read the full issue here.

July 2022

Summer Fun and Safety

Summertime is full of fun activities with your kids, but with that comes safety concerns for all parents. Whether your child has a developmental delay, autism, or is neurotypical, safety is important. Some helpful tools are listed below.

Tracking Devices

Some children with autism or a developmental delay may be an elopement risk. This means they are likely to bolt from the house or yard if something especially interesting catches their attention. If your child has limited communication skills and wouldn’t be able to find her way home or tell someone where her home is, it may be beneficial to have her wear a GPS tracker or Radio Frequency (RF) device in her pocket, on a belt, or as a bracelet. This way, her location can be determined if she ever gets lost. In addition to a tracking device, your child should also wear a medical ID bracelet, necklace, or tag so that her health/condition information is readily available when she is found.

House and Pool Alarms

Even if you have strong locks on your doors and windows, they will probably be open more often during the summer. Therefore, it is a good idea to install alarms that will alert you when windows are opened past a certain height. Keep in mind that it’s easy to become desensitized to these alarms because of the frequency of doors opening and closing in the summer months. Of course, you can turn alarms on and off according to your child’s level of supervision. For example, if you know you need to bathe one of your other children and leave your other child unattended for a brief period, it may be a good time to turn on the alarm. And, if you have a pool, you may want to consider investing in a pool alarm system.

Teach Your Child to Swim

Consider scheduling time to take adaptive swim classes with your child. Many YMCAs and local parks and recreation centers offer these classes. If your child has difficulty learning conventional swimming strokes, teach her drown-proofing, a water survival technique that will help her stay afloat until help arrives. Although it can be challenging, remaining vigilant about safety this summer will make it a happier and healthier season for your entire family.

Use Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all children, regardless of skin tone, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Getting outside is an excellent way for kids to be active, cope with life’s ups and downs, and get a daily dose of vitamin D. But it’s important to take sun protection measures whenever kids are outside. With so many sunscreen options on the market, it can be hard to know what to choose. Here are some general sunscreen tips:

• Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and one that says “broad-spectrum” on the label to ensure it will protect kids from both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVA rays cause signs of aging, and UVB rays cause sunburns and most types of skin cancer.
• Look for “water-resistant” on the label. These products protect your child for 40 to 80 minutes in the water.
• Apply enough sunscreen to evenly cover all areas of the skin that will be exposed to the sun, especially the face, nose, ears, hands, and backs of the knees. Rub it in well.
• Plan to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• Skip the spray. Aerosol sprays can be inhaled into the lungs, alcohol ingredients are flammable, and it’s challenging to apply spray sunscreen evenly. If a spray is your only option, we recommend spraying it onto your hands before rubbing it onto your child’s skin.
• Ask your pediatrician if any of your child’s medicines affect sun exposure. Some medications can make the skin even more sensitive to the sun or may react with sunscreen ingredients.
• Watch for any reactions when trying a new sunscreen. If your child develops a rash, try looking for options made from ingredients appropriate for sensitive skin, like zinc oxide. And avoid products that contain oxybenzone, as this ingredient is known to cause allergic reactions.

For additional resources or tips, please call Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Nurse Navigator, Krista Rogers, LPN, at 706-226-8912.

Read the full issue here!

June 2022

Parent Support Groups

Support groups enable parents to share their experiences and information about raising a child with special needs. Through these groups, parents can find information about other resources that may benefit them or their family members, such as community and social outings, workshops, and other events.

Many children are impacted by developmental delays and other special needs in our area. Currently, in Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, and Catoosa counties, there are approximately 27,500 children who are diagnosed with developmental differences.

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI) recognizes the value of supporting parents, families, and caregivers in our area. Prior to the construction of Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, a Parent Advisory Board was formed. This group understood the importance of providing a space for community groups to meet. ASCI provides four meeting rooms for community use. The largest can accommodate up to 40 people (maximum group size will be based on current CDC recommendations).

Currently, ASCI hosts a Parent Support Group and Latino Parent Support Group. These groups allow parents, family members, and caregivers to attend regardless of their child’s age or disability. The child is not required to be a recipient of services at ASCI.

The Parent Support Group will not meet in July. In August, the Parent Support Group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. ASCI Nurse Navigator Krista Rogers, LPN, coordinates this meeting. Light snacks will be provided. The Latino Parent Support Group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. This group is led by a local mother, Berta Castillo. ASCI will facilitate any speakers or presentations on topics of interest. Childcare is not provided during these meetings. All meetings are held in the Southern Magnolia Room at the lower entrance of ASCI.
When families join a parent group, they meet other families with similar needs. There is a sense of community and understanding when families with similar concerns meet. You create a place where you can laugh about the same things, discuss the same challenges, and help support each other.

If you are unable to attend an in-person meeting, Parent to Parent of Georgia provides an online resource that matches parents with other parents that have children with similar issues. They provide support and information for families with children and adults from birth to 16 years. To contact them, visit: www.p2pga.org or call 800.229.2038.

For more information about Parent Support Groups, please contact Krista Rogers, LPN, Nurse Navigator Anna Shaw Children’s Institute at 706.226.8912.

Read the full issue here!

May 2022

May is Better Sleep Month

May is better sleep month. Sleep disturbance in children is a complex issue for many families. Parents and children both need and desire sleep. Sleep is considered as important as nutrition and physical activity. Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system, better school performance, fewer behavioral issues, improved memory, and improved mental health. Children (and adults) who experience regular sleep deprivation often have health issues such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypertension, obesity, headaches, and depression.
Here are some tips to help your child sleep well:

• Establish a bedtime routine
• Create a sleep-supportive environment
• Avoid exposure to screens
• Maintain regular sleep and wake times daily

BEDTIME ROUTINE
Remember the 3 B’s of bedtime routine:

• Brush Teeth
• Read a book together
• Then get in bed
• Consistency is the key to success.

CREATE A SLEEP-SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
Dim the lights before bedtime and control the temperature in the home.
Don’t fill your child’s bed with toys. Keep your child’s bed a place to sleep instead of a place to play. Let the child select one or two things to take to bed in order to ease separation anxiety.

Babies should sleep on a firm flat surface without pillows, blankets, or soft objects. Babies can be dressed in sleep clothing such as wearable blankets. Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle. ALWAYS put babies on their backs to sleep.

AVOID EXPOSURE TO SCREENS
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding exposure to screens for at least one hour before bed.
Screens emit blue light, which sends a strong signal to the brain that it is daytime and time to get up. Blue light has a short wavelength that affects the levels of melatonin in our bodies and can wreak havoc on our body’s natural melatonin production. Cell phones, TV, tablets, etc., all emit blue light. TV should not be on in the room before bedtime. Consider substituting a noise machine with soothing music or sounds to assist in sleeping.

MAINTAIN REGULAR SLEEP AND WAKE TIMES DAILY
Shifting schedules for weekdays and weekends can be difficult. It makes it hard to get back in a rhythm for school days. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time regardless of the day.

Be consistent!

Many children with autism have significant issues with sleep. Please click here for more information on improving sleep habits in children with autism.
Thank you to Nancy Carnevale, MD, Medical Director of Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, for her contribution to this newsletter. Please click here to watch her complete talk “Solving your Child’s Sleep Problems.”

Read the full issue here

April 2022

April is Autism Acceptance Month

April was previously known as Autism Awareness Month. In 2021, it was changed to Autism Acceptance Month. This change in designation is an important modification. The Autism Society of America suggested the revision in order to ignite a change in the lives of those with autism. Most people are aware of autism or know someone with autism. However, acceptance means that you include that person in your everyday activities, provide support, and help them connect to other people and their community. Acceptance means individuals work together to build a more welcoming and inclusive community to support individuals with autism.
The Autism Society of America is calling attention to some nationwide initiatives:

First Responder Training:

Approximately 20% of young adults with autism will have some kind of interaction with police officers or other first responders. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute has partnered with the Yellow Dot Program to provide an easy and quick way for first responders to identify that an individual has special medical and/or developmental needs. If you are interested in this free program, please contact Jessica Truelove, Practice Manager of Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. For more information on the Yellow Dot Program, please visit: www.dph.georgia.gov

Employment Advocacy:

More than 70% of adults with autism are unemployed or under-employed. This group is urging employers to expand to more inclusive hiring practices. With proper support, individuals with autism can bring a strong skill set to the job site. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is proud to partner with the North

Georgia Autism Foundation and support the Georgia Bridge Academy. The Dalton branch has a classroom at Cross Plains Community Partner Campus, which is a postsecondary school that trains adult students for a career in the IT field. For more information on this free program, please
visit: www.ngafinc.org

Another resource available through the North Georgia Autism Foundation is “Hire Autism,” which is a program dedicated to providing employment opportunities and workplace resources for individuals with autism. The link also enables employers to learn more about autism. It offers tips and tools to help with accommodations specific to the job seeker. For more information, please visit: www.researchautism.org

Clinical services at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute are geared toward children from birth through age 11. However, we advocate for all individuals with any type of developmental disability. We focus on early identification and intervention, promoting supports and services to promote inclusion in all aspects of the child’s and family’s life. We are proud to work with community partners who share our vision of an inclusive environment that support our mission statement to “provide champion care for children and families for happy, healthy lives.”

Read the full issue here.

March 2022

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan recognized March as Disabilities Awareness Month to increase the public’s awareness of the needs and potential of individuals with developmental disabilities.

According to the CDC, developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behaviors. These may include diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning and/or intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision impairments, genetic disorders, and other causes of developmental delays.

This year, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) partnered to highlight artwork created by individuals with disabilities.

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is collaborating with Amanda Brown, Executive Director of the Creative Arts Guild and a student in the Arts in Medicine Program at the University of South Florida, to create artwork with children who receive services at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. The goal of the Arts in Health Program is to develop a sense of self-fulfillment, which can positively impact their healthcare experience. Here are some examples of the artwork.

DOT ART

SPONGE ART

YARN ART

CONSTRUCTION PAPER ART

February 2022

February is Heart Month

We typically think of heart issues as a condition in adults; however, congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common type of congenital disability. CHDs are sometimes detected during pregnancy when prenatal ultrasounds are performed. If a physician suspects heart issues, a special type of ultrasound called a fetal echocardiogram can create pictures of the developing heart. Some CHDs are not detected until after birth or later. Congenital heart defects can affect the structure and function of the heart. They also may affect how the blood flows to the rest of the body.

About 1 in 4 babies born with a CHD has a condition that is labeled as a critical congenital heart defect. Babies born with critical CHD often require surgery or other medical procedures in the first year of life. Click here to learn more.

At Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, we have many patients with congenital heart defects who require therapy and developmental surveillance. We would like to share the story of one of our patients who was diagnosed with a critical CHD prior to birth.

Will and Tricia Schusterick of Dalton, Georgia, were expecting a baby boy. During a prenatal ultrasound, their baby (Liam) was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that includes four related heart defects: pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Liam was born prematurely and weighed 1 pound 9 ounces. He spent two months in the NICU and then had open heart surgery when he approached three months old. After recovering from his surgery at the hospital and then at home, Liam was referred to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute for physical therapy and speech/feeding therapy.

“He improves every week,” says Tricia. “He enjoys his therapy sessions. We are so thankful that Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is here for our family. Everyone has been so loving and helpful. All of the providers care about Liam’s growth just like we do.”

December 2021

Our Video Library is available on our website! Our library includes all webinars, and Music in the Treetops videos. To access this library, please click here.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Four Types of Play

As the holidays approach, parents and families of young children are often focused on the best gifts to get for their children. This edition will provide information to help you make those decisions. The first thing we will discuss are the types of play. Play can be categorized into many forms. For the focus of this newsletter, we will look at four types of play:

· Functional Play
· Constructive Play
· Exploratory Play
· Dramatic Play

Functional Play

Functional play is playing just to enjoy the experience. For infants, examples of this are exchanging smiles, coos, and babbles with their caregiver or sibling. Toddlers love to climb, play with household items, and bang items together just to hear the sound. Functional play helps children learn about their world through their senses, movement, and social-emotional interactions.

Constructive Play

Constructive play is playing with something to build, draw, or make. It tends to be goal-oriented. It helps children learn to plan out a task toward completion. It involves imagination, problem-solving and gives children a sense of accomplishment.

Exploratory Play

During this type of play, children often examine objects closely. They look at objects from different angles and may take objects apart and put them back together. Exploratory play helps children learn cognitive and language skills such as shape, size, color, function, and spatial awareness.

Dramatic Play

When children demonstrate dramatic play, also known as pretend play, they are showing you that they understand that objects or ideas can represent other objects. A child may hold a toy phone to their ear and pretend to talk. This will evolve into that same toddler telling long stories, handing the phone back and forth to a parent to take turns, etc. Dramatic play can then become more abstract, for example, when a child picks up a banana to pretend it’s a phone. Dramatic play supports creativity, language development, and social-emotional skills. It is at the heart of the toddlerhood
imagination. (Babysparks.com)

When selecting gifts, specifically toys, it is important to provide a balance between open-ended and close-ended toys. Both types of toys help development in different ways.

Open-ended Toys

Open-ended toys can be played with in various ways with no definite end. They help develop language and let children practice life skills. Blocks, dolls, and play food and tools are examples of open-ended toys.

Close-ended Toys

Close-ended toys have a beginning and end. They help kids pay attention and work towards a completion goal. Examples of close-ended toys are books, puzzles, and games. It is important for a child to learn to follow through and complete the task until the end. (Pathways.org)

Here are a few links with more specific information on developmentally appropriate toys and methods to facilitate play:

Good Toys for Young Children by Age and Stage

​Age-by-Age Guide to Toys​

Also, the December CHAMPS series will focus on play

Download the Entire Issue

October 2021

Our Video Library is available on our website! Our library includes all webinars, Reading Around the Tree videos, and Music in the Treetops videos. To access this library, please click here.

October is National Awareness Month for the following:

Spina Bifida
Down Syndrome
World Cerebral Palsy Day (10/6)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Physical Therapy Awareness Month

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Dr. Emily Brandt, Developmental Pediatrician at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, has provided the following information:

• Do you remember how it felt the last time you had trouble listening while someone was talking to you?
• How about a time when you were bored and fidgeting when everyone else was sitting quietly?

Now imagine what it would be like if you felt that way all the time. Listening and following directions would be hard. Learning would be hard. Getting in trouble would be easy. And these are just some of the challenges that children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) live with every day.

If you or your child’s coaches, teachers, or babysitters have concerns, the first step is to talk with your child’s primary care provider. You can help him or her check for other problems that could be making it hard for your child to pay attention. Think about things like:

• Needing glasses
• A learning disability
• Allergies
• Worries
• Staring spells that can be very short seizures
• Or poor sleep at night with snoring or trouble falling asleep

Next, your child’s primary care provider will probably give you and your child’s teacher some papers to fill out to help understand how often the challenges are happening. They are looking to see if problems with attention and too much activity are just happening sometimes or if they are consistently making it harder for your child to learn, make friends, and stay safe.

While you work with the doctor on those things, here are some strategies you can try: Give simple, 1 step directions and have your child repeat it back to you before doing what you asked.

• Make a consistent routine that your child can learn to follow to get ready for school or ready for bed.
• Make checklists to help them remember what needs to be done. Making checkmarks or getting a small sticker for each task can help them feel like they are making progress.
• Break schoolwork or chores down into small pieces that are less overwhelming. For instance, have them search for all the toy cars first, then pick up crayons, then balls, etc.
• Check your child’s backpack together with them before school to make sure their homework is there.
• Ask if your child can sit near the teacher and away from distractions.
• During homework, have your child stand by the counter or sit on a fidget chair. This helps them burn energy and still get work done.
• Make sure your child gets lots of exercise at recess and at home.
• Have a bedtime routine at the same time each night to help your child calm down and get enough sleep.
• You may enjoy looking at the website Understood.org for more strategies to help your child.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AWARENESS MONTH

​October is National Physical Therapy Month. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute employs two pediatric-trained physical therapists (PTs). Pediatric PTs work with children and their families to ensure that each child reaches their maximum potential to enable them to participate in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists have expertise is in movement, motor development, and body function. The pediatric PT may provide services in the home, childcare environment, outpatient clinic, hospital, or school. Physical therapists must be graduates of an accredited educational program and be licensed in the state where they practice and follow state and practice guidelines. For more information on pediatric physical therapy, please visit pediatricapta.org. If you feel your child would benefit from seeing a pediatric physical therapist, please contact your child’s primary care provider and ask for a referral to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

OTHER MONTHLY AWARENESS TOPICS
World Cerebral Palsy Day (October 6). To learn more about Cerebral Palsy, please
visit: ucp.org.
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: To learn more about down syndrome, please visit: ndss.org.
Spina Bifida: To learn more about spina bifida, please visit: spinabifidaassociation.org.

September 2021

September is Yoga Awareness Month

Ongoing stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed heavily on all of us. Many children and teens are having an especially tough time coping with all of these changes. In addition to these worries, many families have lost financial stability. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to find an activity that you can do with your children that will reduce stress for all of you.

Yoga can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, increasing mobility, and promoting overall health. Did you know that you and your children can practice yoga together? You don’t have to be on a mat, in a class, or even be an experienced yogi to reap its amazing benefits. This month at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, we’re enjoying a Yoga at Work series that focuses on providing practical poses and breathing techniques that can be used anywhere. If you’re looking for ways to tap into your inner peace at home or on the go, consider trying some of these exercises by yourself or with your loved ones!

Equal Breathing:
In yoga, this is called sama vritti breath (sama = same, vritti = breath). This type of breathwork has been shown to reduce the heart rate and helps the brain turn off its “fight or flight” instinct. To practice equal breathing, simply inhale on a slow, rhythmic count of 1-2-3 and exhale on a count of 1-2-3. Continue this at a comfortable pace.

Grounding:
To be “grounded” means to be connected to your body and the space around you. When we are in a constant state of stress, it is easy to feel like we are not in control. In therapy sessions, you may hear words like “deregulated” or “sensory overload.” When you or your child are feeling this way, take a moment to place your hands on your/your child’s body. Give yourself or your child a tight squeeze or gentle pressure. This touch sensation helps your brain to reintegrate with your body, igniting a sense of calm and connectedness. Try adding sama vritti breathing as well.

Forward Fold:
This simple yoga pose is a great way to get your body moving and your blood flowing. To practice a forward fold, simply start with a comfortable standing position. Take a deep inhale while you raise your hands overhead. On your exhale, fold at the waist and feel your hands reach for the earth. (It’s okay if you can’t touch your toes!) By having your head hang lower than your heart, you are practicing what is called an inversion. Inversions can offer many amazing health benefits, including increased blood flow, decreased fatigue, and improved strength and mobility.

As you continue to go through times of uncertainty, remember that your child sometimes also experiences these same feelings. Find activities that you can enjoy together to bring happiness and peace to your life. Yoga is a great place to begin.

August 2021

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute provides champion care to children and families for happy, healthy lives.

August is Back to School Month

The new school year has started for many children. Both parents and teachers have pivotal roles in making sure children learn both academic and life skills. It is important for parents and teachers to work in a partnership in order for children to have positive school experiences. Studies continue to show that parent involvement is an important factor in helping students engage in their learning. Parent/teacher communication is a key aspect in promoting parent involvement. Below are some tips for effective communication:

Feel free to make the first contact with the teacher.

As a parent, you shouldn’t feel you have to wait for the teacher to contact you. This is especially important if there are specific things that would be beneficial for your teacher to know about your child.

Begin with a positive attitude.

It is best to believe that your child’s teacher and the school system care about your child, not just academically but emotionally as well. Begin your conversations with a positive attitude and a willingness to partner with your child’s teaching team.

Ask the teacher for his or her preferred method of communication.

Many schools have communication platforms that are used to communicate with parents. If not, ask the teacher if he or she prefers e-mail, written notes, or phone calls. If face-to-face or phone calls are warranted, then determine a preferred time and/or place for this communication.

Determine how often communication needs to occur.

This will depend on the severity of the issue. More serious issues will require more frequent communication. It is important to discuss and agree on what issues need to be monitored and how often communication needs to occur. Be specific about the information that you would like to know. For example, issues with class participation and/or negative behaviors, homework assignments and performance, test dates, etc.

Become involved in your child’s education by becoming involved with the school.

• Go to parent-teacher conferences.

• Go to open house or curriculum night.

• Offer to donate items to the classroom or volunteer for other activities.

Please be patient with your child’s teacher as they begin a new school year. Some teachers get 50 or more e-mails a day. If you feel a teacher is not being as responsive as you would like, you may request a parent/teacher conference.

Even when parents do everything to their best ability, including having the best
parent/teacher relationship, and providing a strong support system for their child, some children struggle during a new school year. If you notice your child is having challenges, please discuss your child’s situation with your pediatrician. Your child and family may benefit from a referral to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

Our team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists will evaluate your child to determine what barriers may impact his or her educational experience. Our family support team, including our educational resource coordinator, RN care navigator, and resource coordinator, can provide support and ensure your child’s needs are met.

July 2021

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute provides champion care to children and families for happy, healthy lives.

July is National Ice Cream Month
Summer is now in full swing. As the summer temperatures rise, what better way is there to cool off than enjoy American’s favorite summertime treat–ice cream! This easy homemade ice cream in a bag is something your children will love to make and eat. Kids will love shaking the bag and watching as their ice cream forms.

To make this simple treat, you will need these ingredients:

• 1 cup of half and half
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• Ice
• ¼ cup of rock salt
• 1-gallon size resealable plastic storage bag 1-quart size resealable plastic storage bag

Pour the half-and-half into the small bag along with the vanilla extract and sugar.
Seal the bag, getting as much air out of the bag as possible.
Fill the large zip lock bag halfway with ice and add the salt.
Place your small bag inside the larger bag and seal the large bag.
Shake the bag for 6 minutes.
Once the ice cream has formed, remove the smaller bag from the larger bag and rinse the outside of the smaller bag to remove all the salt. Open the bag, stir, and enjoy.

Healthy Alternative
If your child has a sensitivity to dairy, you can substitute it with vanilla soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk

Another Fun Activity
Multisensory instruction is a teaching technique that allows children to use more than one of their senses at a time, including sight, hearing, movement, and touch. Using multiple senses during instruction gives children more than one way to connect to what they are learning.

Sand or Shaving Cream Writing
Spread a small handful of sand or shaving cream on a cookie sheet or table. Children can then use their finger to write a letter or word. This allows them to use sight, touch, and sound to connect with letters, sounds, and how they can blend the letter sounds together to build words. (Courtesy of: Understood.org)

June 2021

Our Video Library is available on our website! Our library includes all webinars, Reading Around the Tree videos, and Music in the Treetops videos. To access this library, please click here.

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute provides champion care to children and families for happy, healthy lives.

June is National Safety Month
Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is proud to be participating in Georgia’s Yellow Dot Program

Georgia’s Yellow Dot Program is a free program designed to help first responders provide life-saving medical attention after a medical emergency. Georgia’s Yellow Dot Program can be used by anyone, but it may be most helpful for individuals with complex medical conditions, children with special needs, individuals with severe allergies, people with dementia or other mental health issues, or those who are medically fragile. The Georgia Yellow Dot Program provides an information form for an individual to fill out. The form includes personal medical information including medications and other risk factors. A clip is provided so that the completed packet can be placed on the refrigerator at home and a duplicate placed in the glove compartment of the car. A yellow dot is placed on the front door of the home and the back window of the car. This yellow dot is designed to alert first responders that you are a participant in the Yellow Dot Program. Thanks to this tool, they will know where to find your health information. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute provided training for the first responders in Whitfield County and Dalton city as well as training for the emergency room staff of Hamilton Medical Center.
If you would like more information about the Yellow Dot Program, please contact Jessica Truelove, RN, Nurse Navigator at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute at 706.226.8912.

General Summer Safety Tips

Summer is upon us, which means there will be an increase in outdoor and water activities. Practice these safety tips to ensure a safe and fun summer.

• Supervise children near fireworks and campfires
• Check for ticks after all outdoor activities
• Stay hydrated
• Use sunscreen and bug spray with DEET
• Supervise children when on trampolines or playground equipment
• Do not allow children to operate lawnmowers, golf carts, or ATVs
• Always wear an approved flotation device when boating
• Supervise children when swimming and enroll them in swimming lessons Parents should always practice touch supervision while in the pool by being close enough to reach out to your child at any time
• Do not allow children to dive into unknown water or shallow pools

Summertime Fun Indoor Activity

Word Building

Lego sets can be used to teach sight words. Children in kindergarten through approximately fifth grade usually receive weekly sight words from their school teacher. All you need are the base sets and attaching bricks. On attaching bricks, write a single letter. On base sets, write the sight word. Make sure that the letters on the bricks fit on the base to make the respective sight word. This activity can also be accomplished using Scrabble letters.

May 2021

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month

• By the first grade, roughly 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders. (asha.org)
• Research has found that 20% to 40% of children with a family history of speech and language impairment have the condition themselves, compared with about 4% of those with no family history of SLI. (understood.org)
• 6–8 million Americans have some form of language impairment. ( asha.org)
• As many as 5% of school-age children are believed to have a language disorder. This makes language disorders some of the more common childhood disorders. (understood.org)
• Of the 6.1 million children with disabilities who received special education services under IDEA in public schools in the 2005–2006 school year, more than 1.1 million were served under the category of speech or language impairment. (understood.org)
• Dyslexia is common among children with mixed receptive-expressive language issues. (understood.org)
• One large study of children with language disorders found that many also had ADHD (19%), followed by anxiety disorders (10%) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (7% combined). (understood.org)
• 40 million Americans have communication disorders. (asha.org)

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute provides champion care to children and families for happy, healthy lives. Many of the children that receive services at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute have speech and/or language disorders. Speech refers to the physical act of speaking, while language refers to the words we use and how we use them to communicate our wants, needs, and ideas. Here are some simple facts about speech and language disorders:

If you suspect your child has a speech or language disorder, please discuss this with your child’s primary care physician for a referral to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

For more information about Speech and Language Disorders please visit the following links:

• Asha.org
• Understood.org
• Speechandlanguagekids.com
• Allisonfors.com

Meet Some of our Team Members

Hannah Cannon, M.S. CCC-SLP

Ashley Johnson, M.S. CCC-SLP

Laurie Shaw, M.S. CCC-SLP

Lynn Sams, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

April 2021

Our Video Library is now available on our website! Our library includes all webinars, Reading Around the Tree videos, and Music in the Treetops videos. To access this library, please click here.

April is Autism Awareness month and Occupational Therapy month. This month’s newsletter focuses on autism and the role of occupational therapy intervention in children with autism.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological difference that impacts how an individual interacts with the world around them. It is characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Many individuals with autism have sensory issues. These typically involve one more sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch, tastes, smells, pain, and other stimuli.

Autism Affects 1 in 54 children in the United States

Signs of autism usually appear by the age of 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life.

Occupational Therapists and What They Do

An occupational therapist (OT) is a trained medical professional who evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty participating in activities or “occupations” relevant to their daily lives. Many people often think of an “occupation” as work or a job, but an occupation can mean any activity in which a person engages. This can include self-care, play, leisure activities, and work. For a child, “work” often involves playing, learning, and going to school.
Children make up a large part of the population receiving OT services. During occupational therapy, treatment often focuses on improving a child’s development in the areas of fine motor skills, play skills, social skills, and self-care skills.

Generally, occupational therapists provide treatment to clients who have been diagnosed with a specific medical condition by a physician. Diagnoses may include learning disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), genetic disorders, and developmental delays. Based on the results of an evaluation, the occupational therapist designs a treatment plan based on each client’s and family’s unique needs.

A child with autism may benefit from occupational therapy. Based on the OT evaluation, the therapist will work with the family to determine goals and appropriate strategies to meet these goals. These strategies may include activities to improve fine motor skills, play skills, and self-care skills.

Some children, including those with autism, may have difficulty dealing with different sensations within their bodies and from the environment. Different sensory experiences include sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, vestibular (the body’s sense of movement in relation to gravity,) and proprioception (the body’s sense of itself and its position in space.) Some examples of sensory experiences in school are the school bells ringing, children yelling on the playground, desks sliding, cafeteria smells, and activities in physical. education class.

MEET OUR TEAM

Megan Swartout, OTR/L

Becki McBride, OTR_L

Amy Thomas, OTR_L

Creating Rich Sensory Experiences

An occupational therapist may develop a sensory “diet” as part of a child’s daily activities to help the child process and integrate different sensations. A sensory diet can either can help calm overactive children or provide stimulation for underactive children. The focus of the “diet” is to combine motion with sensory input to help the child learn, play, and function. A sensory diet includes physical activities that your child can do at home. It has nothing to do with food. Some examples of activities that may be incorporated into a sensory diet are:

• Jumping jacks
• Bouncing a ball
• Pushing a heavy object
• Swinging/Spinning
• Rolling up in a blanket/Use of a weighted blanket Dimming lights
• Playing soft music

An occupational therapist can help you design a diet routine that is tailored to meet your child’s needs.
If you feel that your child may benefit from occupational therapy, please contact your child’s primary care provider and ask for a referral to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.
References:
Handy Handouts
Autism Speaks
Understood

March 2021

Our Video Library is now available on our website! Our library includes all webinars, Reading Around the Tree videos, and Music in the Treetops videos. To access this library, please click here.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. According to the Developmental Disabilities Act, the term Developmental Disabilities means that a person has a severe, chronic disability that occurs before the age of 22. This disability is likely to continue throughout their lifespan and result in a substantial functional limitation in 3 or more areas:

• Self-care
• Receptive and expressive language
• Learning
• Mobility
• Self-direction
• Capacity for independent living
• Economic self-sufficiency

These impairments would require that the person would need extended supports or assistance throughout their life span.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities which receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people with Developmental Disabilities.

For more information about Developmental Disabilities and support please visit https://www.nacdd.org/ or https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/index.html.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. This date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy = 3) on the 21st chromosome. The goal of World Down Syndrome day is to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of all people with Down Syndrome.

From March 1 through the 21, you can join a 21-day challenge to learn more about Down Syndrome, advocacy, and support. Sign up at: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/take-action.

To learn other ways you can participate in World Down Syndrome Day, please visit this website: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd

February 2021

Friendship & Family

February is often associated with hearts and love. It is a great time to sit down with your child to explore concepts such as friendship and family. What makes someone your friend? How do you make friends? Who is in our family? Some books that will help your child explore these concepts are:

January 2021

Fun Indoor Activities!

Winter is here! Cold weather has made its way to our area. Here are some fun indoor activities to make those winter days go by a bit faster:

Build a Fort
Have the children collect pillows and blankets from around the house. Help them build the fort in a creative way that will encourage the child to use their imagination. Once the fort is built, they can spread out more pillows and blankets to lie on and play games or watch a movie.

Scavenger Hunt
Go on a treasure hunt! Children will love looking for different items and clues throughout the house. You can add a riddle or item to make the clues different. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and get creative.

Make Cards
Making cards for relatives and close family friends is a great indoor activity. Spread out different markers, pens, and pieces of paper (whatever your child enjoys most) and let them make birthday cards, Valentine cards, or just a “thinking of you” card. They can draw pictures and decorate the envelope too!

Indoor Fashion Show
Let your children go through their closet and pick out outfits by themselves. Once they have chosen the outfits, let them walk the runway to show you how creative they can be. You can make a hallway the runway, and even go as far as playing a little music for them to walk to.

Bake Something Simple
Share with your children a simple recipe, and if you don’t know one, you can always look one up on the internet. Baking a simple recipe is a great way to keep children entertained for a while, as well as helping them learn a new skill!

December 2020

Play is the Work of Childhood

Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) describes play as the work of childhood. Play is essential to development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, and social emotional abilities of children. It helps young children develop language and communication skills and explore different concepts such as big, little, under, over, etc. Simple games such as stacking skills help to develop those early math and science skills such as counting, balancing, shapes, and the effects of gravity. Play allows children to learn about themselves and the world around them.

There are two different types of play: structured and unstructured. Structured play is set up and guided by adults. It requires that a child follow direction or rules. This includes play with puzzles, board games, or organized classes, or sports.

Unstructured play allows children to do whatever interests them without directions or guidelines. This may include play with items such as dress up, use of household items, or outdoor play. Toddlers should spend at least one hour a day in free, unstructured play and at least 30 minutes engaged in active, adult led play. As a child grows, they need even more time to play each day.

You do not have to spend a lot of money on toys. We often hear parents and grandparents react that children love the paper or box more than the toy that it contained. There are many natural items that you use to promote play and learning. There are many websites that promote the use of items found in a typical household or outdoor environment that can be used for play. Simple things such as stacking pillows or couch cushions, using ice trays, or muffin tins as sorting bins are fun and creative ways to encourage play.

Favorite Toys

Here are a few of our favorite toys that we have at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. Please contact us if you would like suggestions for toys or activities to help your child play.

November 2020

Thankful Pumpkin Craft
November is a time to reflect and give thanks. This simple craft can remind us all that we have many things to be thankful for.

• Supplies you will need: orange and green cardstock paper, glue stick, scissors, and a pen
• Start by cutting strips of orange paper. With the green paper, cut out leaves and a stem.
• On the strips of orange paper, write “I am thankful for…” You can use as many strips as you desire.
• Glue the ends of the orange strips together to make a circle.
• On your next strip, link it through your first circle, then glue the ends together. Repeat this step until your pumpkin is as full as you would like.
• Glue your stem and leaf/leaves to the top.

This craft helps children practice fine motor skills such as cutting, writing and gluing. It will also be a time you can talk with your children about things they are thankful for and encourage them to express themselves.
Happy Thanksgiving from your team at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute!

October 2020

Spina Bifida and Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Spina Bifida and Down Syndrome Awareness Month. At Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, we celebrate all children of all abilities. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome alters the course of development and causes some of the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

One in 700 babies in the United States are born with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome would want you to know that they have the same wants, dreams, and desires as any other person. They attend school, participate in extracurricular activities, hold jobs, have meaningful relationships, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. Having friends who are typically developing is extremely important to social and school success. Encourage your children to be a good friend. For more information about Down syndrome, please visit ndss.org.

Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida occurs in the first 28 days of the pregnancy when the neural tube (spine, spinal cord, skull, and brain) is forming. In individuals with Spina Bifida, the tube does not close completely which can cause varying levels of disability. Spina Bifida is often referred to as a snowflake condition as no 2 persons are affected in the same way. For more information about Spina Bifida, please visit spinabifidaassociation.org.

August 2020

Many things have changed since our last newsletter, but one thing has stayed the same. Children and families continue to receive care and support from Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. We have been serving the community for almost a year and a half! Much has happened during this time, including an impossible to predict pandemic!
For six weeks, we temporarily changed the method of our delivery to telemedicine. In late April, we began to transition back to face-to-face patient appointments. In both settings, we provided services from our four care pillars – medical, psychology, therapy, and family support.
Using the safety guidelines from the CDC, everyone at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute has been delightfully busy providing champion care to children and their families. Over the past 16 months, we have cared for over 600 children. Our provider team now includes four registrars, a financial counselor, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, a child psychologist, two board-certified behavior analysts, two registered behavior technicians, four speech therapists, three occupational therapists, two physical therapists, a music therapist, a social worker/resource coordinator, a care navigator, and an educational resource
coordinator. Additionally, we have expanded our planning and programming to include a collaboration with the Creative Arts Guild for a program titled Arts in the Treetops. The initial session on music was held last fall. With hopeful anticipation, we are planning future events.
Anna Shaw Children’s Institute continues to provide Classes to Help Assist and Motivate Parents, referred to as the CHAMPS series. These classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The topic for September is An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, presented by Dr. Emily Brandt. Upcoming topics include An Introduction to School-Based Services by Lindsey co*ker in October, Managing Anxieties in Children by Dr. Evan Anderson in November, and finishing our year with Solving your Child’s Sleep Problems by Dr. Nancy Carnevale in December.
There will be a Make and Take Workshop for Visual Supports coming in September too. Please join us on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Visual supports are pictures or other visual items to communicate with children who have difficulty using or understanding language. In this workshop, you will learn why visual supports are used and how you can use them to help your child communicate. This technique can provide structure for daily routines and decrease frustration and anxiety. Therapists will be present to assist you in making basic visual supports.

They will also teach you how to make them for home use. Please call 706.226.8911 to register by September 2, 2020. The cost is $10 per family for supplies. Space is limited.

Next month’s Treetop Talk will feature information about the importance of early intervention.
Stay safe and make every day a great one!

Fall 2019

Meet Anna Shaw Children’s Institute’s Therapy Staff

Andrea Henry MCD, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist
I treat children with various conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, genetic and oral motor/feeding disorders, etc. I work to facilitate communication using various modalities and improve articulation. In addition, I aid in the improvement of the oral mechanism for adequate feeding skills. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University. I chose the field of speech pathology because it captivates my interest and curiosity and incorporates my love for children and families. I enjoy having the opportunity to help people with their communication because of the large influence it has on their quality of life. In my spare time, I love hanging out with my family, being active and outdoors, and attending concerts with my husband.

Ashley Johnson, MCD, CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech and Feeding Therapist
I received my Masters of Communication Disorders degree from Auburn University. As a speech pathologist, I work to facilitate communication using various modalities. I treat children with various conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, genetic and oral motor/feeding disorders, etc. In addition, I aid in the improvement of the oral mechanism for adequate feeding skills. I have a heart for children with special needs and feel that God has provided me with a gift to enrich the lives of these children. I appreciate Anna Shaw Children’s Institute’s philosophy of family-centered therapy, as well as the positive atmosphere here at the Institute. In my spare time, I enjoy horseback riding and spending time with my Shih-Tzu puppy, Tuffy.

Ashley Lantz, PT, DPT, PCS

Pediatric Physical Therapist
I work with children and families to help develop goals and build treatment strategies. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University as well as a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis. I chose a career in physical therapy after personally experiencing how beneficial physical therapy can be. I specifically chose to pursue pediatric physical therapy because I love working with children and their families. I joined the team at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute because I truly believe in family-centered care.

Laurie Mcgee PT, DPT

Therapy Manager
I received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Tennessee at Memphis and my Masters of Education in Special Education and my Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I have always enjoyed working with children, particularly children with special needs. I learn more from them than they will ever learn from me. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is one of a kind. We have such an amazing group of people that work here. Every person puts the families and children first. In addition, we are incredibly blessed with support from the community and Hamilton Health Care System. Knowing we have so many cheerleaders behind us makes us strive for excellence in all we do.

Laura Ogas, LPMT, MT-BC

Licensed Board-Certified Music Therapist
I received my degree from Loyola University in New Orleans,
Louisiana. While in New Orleans, I had the pleasure of performing with several great artists. Once when I was in a hospital as a child, I witnessed the healing power of music. In that moment I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in music therapy. I believe early intervention is the key to success, not just for children but for the whole family. Anna Shaw Children’s Institute makes it possible for more children to receive early intervention services and I am blessed to be a part of it!

Amy Thomas OTR/L

Occupational Therapist
I received my degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Memphis. I have had the pleasure of working with children and their families for over 20 years. Prior to joining Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, I primarily worked with children from birth to three years old. I was drawn to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute by the large scope of services provided to children and their families. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the team. When I’m not at the Institute, I enjoy hiking with my husband and children.

Nancy Tomanelli, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist
As an occupational therapist, I help children develop functional life skills by empowering them to try new things so they can enjoy more things in life! I love finding out what motivates a child and then using those motivators to engage the child in a new experience, such as grasping a spoon, writing, or playing with toys. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University. I chose this field because I love working with children and seeing them learn new skills and overcome challenges. Fun Fact about me: my colleagues nicknamed me “Fancy Nancy”, after the Disney character that one of my little girls loves! She will work extra hard in therapy if I make it “Fancy Friendly!” In my spare time, I enjoy simple things in nature such as gardening, walking, and spending time with my friends and family.

Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Receives Award for Best Architectural Design

Healthcare Design recently announced the winners and finalists of its 2019 Healthcare Design Showcase awards program. The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute will receive the Award of Merit (highest award) at the HCD Expo & Conference in New Orleans this November.

The Healthcare Design Showcase awards program is in its 19th year of honoring the best design and architecture in the healthcare industry. The building, which opened April 1, was designed by Earl Swensson Associates (ESa).

Dedicated to the memory of local philanthropist Anna Sue Shaw, the Institute is an advocate for the care of children who are experiencing the challenges of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or developmental delays.

With design elements inspired by the style of a treehouse, the Institute was designed to be considerate of children’s differing abilities to tolerate light, sound, and texture. The Institute provides a unique environment with the overall goal to blend calming color and fun play for children of all
abilities.

The structure’s roofline and design are patterned after a treehouse. The outside of the building pulls together the elements of glass, wood, and mountain stone in a color palette of browns, greens and blues to reflect the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. The walls of windows provide natural light to warmly flow into the interior of the building.

The room designs include forest animals, birds, or butterflies Each of the rooms has dimmable lights. Some unique areas for care include the Swan Room, an aquatic therapy room for children with a swim tank. The Oriole room is used for occupational therapy. Feeding therapy can take place in the Finch or Falcon rooms in a booth that mimics dining out. Children can participate in speech therapy in the Sparrow or the Seagull rooms.

Children can receive physical or occupational therapy in the Treehouse Gym, a large 2,900-square-foot gym with colorful patterns on the floor, an adaptive climbing wall, an indoor slide and a fun track in the middle of the room. During pleasant weather, therapy can be enjoyed outside in the Treehouse Terrace, an outdoor therapy area with a roller slide, a spinning chair, adaptive pull up bars, a sensory wave and a fun set on tympani drums.

“Our care team continually comments on the ease of the workflow due to the design,” said Woodruff. “ESa did a stellar job!”

Apple Stamping Pumpkin Craft

Supplies Needed:

• Apple, cut down the center
• Orange paint
• Googly eyes
• Green and brown pipe cleaners or markers
• Paper

Steps:
1. Slice your apple in half.
2. Brush some orange paint on one half of your apple with a small paintbrush or sponge.
Carefully press the down on your paper and let your paint dry completely.
3. Next, you will make the stem and leaves. You can cut pipe cleaners and glue them to the paper or draw the stem and leaves with markers.
4. Draw a stem on the paper or cut brown pipe cleaner to look like a stem.
5. Draw leaves or cut a green pipe cleaner into small pieces and wrap it around a pencil to make the curly leaves.
6. Glue your stem and leaves to the paper.
7. Place googly eyes on the pumpkins or use a black marker to draw the eyes.
8. You’re done!

Summer 2019

Hamilton’s Anna Shaw Children’s Institute building receives award for best design, architecture

Healthcare Design recently announced the winners and finalists of its 2019 Healthcare Design Showcase awards program. The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute will receive the Award of Merit (highest award) at the Healthcare Design Expo & Conference in New Orleans this November.

The Healthcare Design Showcase awards program is in its 19th year of honoring the best design and architecture in the healthcare industry.
The building, which opened April 1, was designed by Earl Swensson Associates (ESa).

“We absolutely love our building – the look, the atmosphere, the windows, the wall vinyls and all of the other details!” said Terri Woodruff, executive director. “The medical elements are hidden in the forest design so that, to the children, it looks like a treehouse in the forest. The wayfinding is working just as we had planned, and the children walk in and begin playing and exploring. They are calm and playful. The anxieties that can occur at a typical doctor’s office are just not present.”

Dedicated to the memory of local philanthropist Anna Sue Shaw, the Institute is an advocate for the care of children who are experiencing the challenges of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or developmental delays.

With design elements inspired by the style of a treehouse, the Institute was designed to be considerate of children’s differing abilities to tolerate light, sound and texture. The Institute provides a unique environment with the overall goal to blend calming color and fun play for children of all abilities.

The room designs include forest animals, birds or butterflies. Each of the rooms has dimmable lights. Some unique areas for care include the Swan Room, an aquatic therapy room for children with a swim tank. The Oriole room is used for occupational therapy. Feeding therapy can take place in the Finch or Falcon rooms in a booth that mimics dining out. Children can participate in speech therapy in the Sparrow or the Seagull rooms.

Children can receive physical or occupational therapy in the Treehouse Gym, a large 2,900-square-foot gym with colorful patterns on the floor, an adaptive climbing wall, an indoor slide and a fun track in the middle of the room. During pleasant weather, therapy can be enjoyed outside in the Treehouse Terrace, an outdoor therapy area with a roller slide, a spinning chair, adaptive pull up bars, a sensory wave and a fun set on tympani drums.

“Our care team continually comments on the ease of the workflow due to the design,” said Woodruff. “ESa did a stellar job!”

April 2019

We are proud to announce that Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is now open and providing care to children and families across our region.

Please join us for our community open house on Tuesday, April 16 to tour our facility and meet Dr. Nancy Carnevale, Dr. Emily Brandt, and the rest of the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute team.

A sensory-friendly hour will be held from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. The open house will continue through 7:30pm. Please call 706-226-8900 for more information.

Nancy Carnevale, MD, Board-certified Child Development Pediatrician
As the medical director of Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, Dr. Carnevale specializes in attention disorders, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral and developmental challenges, and more.

Dr. Carnevale graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, attended medical school at Brown University in Rhode Island, and completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Connecticut. She also completed her fellowship at Brown University and is board certified in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.

While practicing pediatric medicine and serving as an assistant professor, she found her passion in treating children with complex disorders. Since 1997, she has cared for children with developmental delays, as well as provided guidance to their families. Dr. Carnevale and her husband, Christian, have four children.

Emily Brandt, MD, Board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Brandt specializes in attention disorders, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral and developmental challenges, and more.

Dr. Brandt graduated from Southern Adventist University in the Chattanooga area and then attended medical school and completed her internship and residency at Loma Linda University. She obtained her fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Iowa.

Dr. Brandt has cared for children with developmental delays and has assisted with educating medical students, pediatrics residents, and child psychiatry residents during her fellowship at the University of Iowa and as faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga.

Dr. Carnevale, Dr. Brandt, and the rest of the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute team look forward to meeting you at the Community Open House on Tuesday, April 16th!

October 2018

Topping-Off Celebration

JUNE 2018

Halfway to Completion

For children, summertime brings thoughts of warmer temperatures, swimming, lightening bugs, camps, and other fun, exciting things. The summer of 2018 will be a hallmark memory for the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute because June 2018 is the halfway point to completion in our construction. Construction began October 31, of 2017 and will be finished by March 31, 2019. We are in an exciting time as the area transitions from bare soil to the framework of what will become the final building of our treehouse design.

The following series of pictures shows the progress:

The structure’s roofline and design are taking shape. When looking at the construction site, it is easy to see the treehouse style of the building. The outside of the building will pull together the elements of glass, wood, and mountain stone in a color palette of browns, greens, and blues to reflect the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. The floor-to-ceiling windows will provide natural light to warmly flow into the interior of the building.

Once inside, the colors in nature will continue to influence the architecture. The first floor will be based on the design of the forest floor blending the neutral tans and browns with grays. Wayfinding will be accomplished with changes in the flooring patterns to direct families to registration areas and then to play areas for them to enjoy prior to their appointments. The second floor advances up through the forest into the understory layer, transitioning from neutral colors and adding more green into the wall design as well as into the wayfinding plans for the carpeting. The third floor moves into the forest’s canopy layer which expands to capture the blue of the skies. Sprinkled throughout the building will be whimsical areas for children to play and discover. A monumental staircase will provide a fun way for children and families to climb through the forest canopy. A decorative elevator will also transport families through each level of the building. Because some children have challenges with the experience of elevators, parking is available on both the first and the second floors, to provide easy, walk-in access to the Children’s Institute. Being considerate of children’s differing abilities to tolerate light, sound, and texture, the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute has been designed to provide a unique environment with the overall goal to blend calming color and fun play for children of all abilities.

As the building progresses, we are also progressing with building our team of care champions. The Institute will have a large team to care for children and assist families. Hamilton is finalizing plans to have specialists including developmental behavioral pediatricians, child and adolescent psychologists, board-certified behavioral analysts, as well as physical, occupational, speech/feeding and music therapists. A care navigator will support families through the diagnostic and treatment processes, as well as assist parents with locating support groups, specialized summer camps, and other resources.

Additionally, our providers will collaborate with pediatric sub-specialists in the areas of neurology, genetics, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and others. The pediatric sub-specialists will have a dedicated care area in the Institute and will travel to the Children’s Institute to provide care for the children.

Although we are only at the halfway mark, exciting events are happening to take us all the way to the top! In the fall edition of Tree Top Talk, we will be discussing the Topping Off Tribute and Celebration!

Be on the lookout for the next update in September 2018.

December 2017

Why do we need Anna Shaw Children’s Institute?

We have a large number of families who are impacted by developmental delays in our area. Currently, in Murray and Whitfield counties, there are 16,300 plus children who are diagnosed with a developmental delay. If children in our neighboring counties of Catoosa and Gordon are included, another 11,200 plus children are added or an increase of 60%. The delay could be physical, meaning the child is unable to use his or her arms or legs like someone the same age. For example, perhaps the child has muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, and must use a wheelchair to get from one place to another. A child could also have a speech delay, so he or she couldn’t communicate with family and friends. The team at the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute is needed to assist children with therapies to maximize development.

We have higher rates of autism in Georgia, compared to the national average. One in 68 children in the United States is impacted by Autism; however, in the state of Georgia, one in 64 children is diagnosed with autism, meaning it occurs slightly more frequently in our area.

Our families are waiting an incredibly long time to receive care for their children suspected of having developmental delays. The wait time from suspicion of developmental delay to evaluation ranges from 6 to 24 months.

Who in our community is helping to guide the programs?

As early as September of 2017, parents of children with developmental delays and community partners were selected to pledge their commitment to participate on the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute Advisory Council. Each member brings a unique perspective to the team and their knowledge is helpful in designing not only the programs but the plans for the design of the building. This team will meet quarterly and more often if the need arises. Currently, there are 17 members on this council and they will be the connection to guide future programs and expansion efforts. The Advisory Council is pictured below: First row, left to right: Jennifer Farner, Jessica Truelove, Charlotte Poston, President, Laura Ogas, Vice President, Lindsey co*ker, Secretary, Angela Sundstrom. Second row, left to right: Justin Lindsey, Laura Bock, Caroline Pence, Patty Arnold, Ruthie Rule and Kathy Hammontree. Not available for the picture were Matt Adams, Barry Blevins, Kathy McGhee Schleier, Dwayne Smith and Terri Woodruff.

What services will the institute provide?

• Medical evaluation and care for children, provided by developmental behavioral pediatricians.
• Child psychiatry services to provide testing, counseling and evaluations.
• Therapy services to provide physical, occupational, speech, feeding and music therapies.
• Nursing services to assist with individualized care for the children and a resource for parents.
• Family support services to help parents find the best resources for their child, such as summer camps, horseback riding sessions, community support groups, legal assistance, etc.
• Administrative support to assist with obtaining insurance pre-authorization for services.

June 2018: Halfway Huddle

June will be the half-way to completion mark for the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute!

Be on the lookout for the next update in June.

Need more information?

Please fill out the form below and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.