Diverse Play Groups are quickly coming to the AZ+A Playhouse! AZ+A is shifting from traditional summer camp models to introduce a fresh approach that prioritizes individualized care and therapeutic opportunities. Here’s why we’ve made the switch to offering a variety of groups: Occupational Therapist Involvement from Start to Finish Unlike traditional summer camps, each of...
We recently interviewed AZ+A’s mental health professional, Eliana Sigel-Epstein to learn more about psychotherapy, play, parent therapy and how she works with families. We learned she’s a wealth of knowledge and so much more! What core theories/values guide your kids and families? In many ways, I approach my work with children with the same underlying...
A post that offers 10 ways to make the holidays easier for children from years ago stands the test of time with great advice for parents. The holidays can be challenging for children with developmental or cognitive delays, social anxiety, or sensory processing disorder. Changes in routine, new foods, sounds, and textures are a challenge,...
Tube feeding is a complex topic that is often depicted by untruths or misnomers. Below, Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L, and AZ+A Feeding Specialist, explores the truths about feeding tubes, hunger, and the journey toward a healthy connection with food. Truth: Feeding tubes are necessary for many children. Sometimes a child needs a feeding tube to...
For many children, feeding tubes and eventual tube transitions are a necessary part of life. A feeding tube is often a literal lifeline, providing a child with the nutrition and hydration she needs to stay alive. Even though a feeding tube may be necessary for a time, many children can gain medical stability and no longer...
Going back to school or heading to preschool is an exciting time for children. This multi-sensory emotional experience comes with a mixture of nerves, anxiety, and sometimes fear. After the last 18-months and current uncertainness, all emotions felt by children and parents while transitioning into more of a routine than many of us have had...
Post-pandemic mental health is an issue that affects everyone – children and adults alike. As children transition into social activities like summer camp, playdates, summer school, and sports, it’s important to be mindful of their emotions during this time. It’s difficult for grown-ups to verbalize how we’re feeling about wearing masks or not, touching and...
While generally experienced by infants or toddlers, separation anxiety will undoubtedly hit us all as our close-knit COVID families and bubbles begin to expand once again. Not that many children will ‘fess up to it, but we think most of us will miss some parts of this once-in-a-lifetime, difficult, and yet special year together. Will...
Teaching bike riding to kids is a rite of passage for both parent and child. Bike riding is an important skill that comes with a wide range of developmental benefits for all children. Beyond a few scraped knees, learning to ride a bike provides children with independence, confidence, and physical and mental strength. Once mastered,...
Sleep and how it affects development from infancy to adolescence is a topic that fascinates sleep researchers. Good sleep habits positively affect healthy development in children throughout their adolescent years and beyond. Sleep allows time for cognitive maturation. Now more than ever, their brains need unplugged from all digital devices to recharge and develop as...
