indy kids directory may 2014 issue

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Effective Treatment of

Feeding Problems

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Many children who have a diagnosis of autism may also demonstrate some feeding problems. These feeding problems can range from mild food selectivity (“picky eaters”), to more severe food refusal. No matter the degree of severity, it is extremely important to effectively treat these issues as it is important to ensure that children are receiving the proper nutrients on a daily basis to grow and thrive. It is common for all children to demonstrate some food selectivity, typically between the ages of 2-4 years old. However, being a “picky eater” becomes detrimental if restrictive eating behaviors persist past approximately age four, and especially if a child begins losing weight. A weight of at or below the 3rd percentile typically results in a diagnosis of Failure to Thrive. In order to prevent inappropriate eating behaviors from developing, consider the following:

•Typicallydevelopingchildren,withoutfeedingproblems,needtobeexposedtonewfoodsapproximately15timesbeforepreferenceforthatfoodcanbedetermined.Childrenwhohavefeedingproblemsshouldbeexposedtofoodsaminimumof30timesbeforepreferencecanbeaccuratelydetermined.Therefore,whenpresentinganewfoodtoyourchild,don’tbediscouragedifthey“turnitdown”bypushingitaway,wrinklingtheirnose,orspittingitout.Bepersistent,andofferthatsamefoodagainthenextday…andthenextdayuntilyourchildhashad30exposures.

•Developaneatingscheduleandpredictableroutine.Generallyeatingbreakfast,lunch,dinnerandsnacksatthesametimeeachdaywillallowyourchildtodevelopgoodeatinghabits.Avoidsnackspriortomealtimes,assnacksarefillinganddecreaseyourchild’smotivationtoeatduringmealtime.Alsoavoidbeveragesbeforemealsthatcouldbetoofilling,suchasmilkandjuices.Achildshouldbehungrybeforemealtimesbegintoallowforthemostsuccess.

•Presentonlysmallamountsofeachfoodgroupsotheexpectationofyourchild’seatingrequirementsaresmall.Justacouplepiecesofaprotein,avegetableandafruitareoftensufficientateachmeal.

Once inappropriate eating behaviors have

developed, consider the following:

•Ensurethatinappropriatebehaviors,suchaspushingfoodaway,spittingfoodout,andcryingdonotterminateamealtime.Stoppingthe

presentationoffoodcontingentonanyoftheabovelistedbehaviorswilllikelyresultinthosebehaviorsoccurringmorefrequentlyinthefuture.Therefore,requirethatyourchildtakeatleastatasteofthefoodbeforestoppingthemeal.

•Somechildrenmaydemonstrateverystrongaversionstomealtimes,ingeneral.Forexample,achildmaybegintocrysimplyuponthesightofaspoonorthesightoffood.Inthesecases,amuchslowersequenceofdesensitizationmayberequired.Thebeginningstepsinthis

situationmayrequireachildtosimplykeepfoodonhis/herplatewithoutpushingitofforcrying.Oncethisstepistolerated,foodmaybepresentedonaspoonandsetontheplate.Thisstepmayprogresstotouchingthespoon,withasmallpieceoffood,tothechild’slip.Thenlater,therequirementwouldincreasetotouchingthefoodtohis/hertongue,untilthechildplacesthefoodinhis/hermouthandultimatelyswallowsthefood.

•Anotherstrategytoexposeachildtonewfoodsisto“pair”(orassociate)anon-preferredfood(suchascarrots)withapreferredfood(suchascookies).Usingthisstrategy,onceachildtakesabiteofcarrots(andswallows!),thechildisgivenabiteofacookieasareward.Overseveralpresentationsofthisstrategy,overtime,thecarrotsbecomemoreandmorepreferred.

It is always important to contact your Primary Care Physician when you become concerned about your child’s eating habits. Therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), have demonstrated success in treating feeding problems for children with a wide variety of diagnoses. It is important to begin effect treatment as soon as a feeding problem is detected.

Dr. Breanne Hartley,Clinical Director of the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism

For more information about the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism’s summer program, please call

317-848-4774 or visit our website: www.vbca.org.

Effective Treatment of

Feeding Problems


The organization Reading is Fundamental states that, “Students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer vacation.”

Although we all may want our children just to have fun over the summer, why can’t learning be a part of that fun? Casual atmosphere. Only an hour a day! No tests! Make new friends! Earn special prizes!

And your child may avoid losing 20% of skills learned the prior school year.

j+R Tutoring Academy of Indiana, LLC is again offering special summer enrichment in math, reading and kindergarten readiness. Each will be 24 hours of instruction, and students may attend eight weeks, three days a week, or six weeks, four days a week. The first week begins June 9 and the final week ends July 31.

There are a limited number of slots

available for each of these enrichment sessions. The only session that has a prerequisite is kindergarten readiness. These children must be able to identify the letters of the alphabet.

What a great opportunity for your child to enjoy learning without the worry of grades! Many children struggle with comprehension skills. We will read interesting stories, both fiction and non-fiction, and develop those skills.

Math skills tend to suffer even more than reading skills over the summer. Summer enrichment can help stem that loss and put your child in a much better position when school resumes. Our summer session will explore math in both fun and challenging ways.

Call today and secure a spot for your child. Each is $700.00 and includes instruction, materials and assessments. Don’t let summer go to waste!


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SPOTLIGHT

Business

Gage’s StoryAt Brain Balance of Indianapolis, we understand the pain and frustration of watching your child struggle with learning or behavioral issues. Our groundbreaking program provides lasting results because we don’t simply work with a child’s strengths or compensate for a weakness, we tackle the root cause of the issue. Our unique program addresses the whole child by integrating sensory motor training and stimulation and cognitive activities with nutritional and dietary guidelines. This unique integrated approach is key to what makes Brain Balance different and so effective.

“Since the day I found out I was pregnant, I knew I was going to have an active child. Throughout my pregnancy, Gage was extremely active and this continued after he was born for six years. I was always told by doctors, family and friends that he’s “just a boy” or “he’ll grow out of it.” He hit the “terrible twos” at eighteen months and never really outgrew it. Melt downs, talking back, anger, speech delays and an abundance of energy were the things my husband and I were seeing with him on a daily basis. The older he got, the more sports he got involved with and the more I noticed he struggled compared to his teammates of the same age. He could hit a ball before the age of two, but at six he seemed to have taken several steps back. His school work was even being affected by his lack of attention and hyperactivity. When things didn’t go his way, the tantrums were

terrible. One day he’d be an angel who cuddled with me and told me he loved me; the next day he’d be completely out of control. What was I to do? The answers were right under my nose.

I work with children everyday who struggle with the same things my son did. As the Center Director I tell parents, with the utmost certainty, that Brain Balance is the answer for their child’s struggles, yet there I was in

denial of my own son’s issues. I decided to take action, went home, and asked my son if he wanted to feel better.

I got Gage tested at Brain Balance of Indianapolis and quickly saw that his symptoms had an underlying cause. His vision was a mess, he had a lot of cross lateral issues and he was slightly behind academically. As I had seen so many children get help through this program, I was extremely excited to have my compassionate son feel better. In a short three months, Gage’s vision, coordination, tantrums, hyperactivity and academics all got better. He used to always hate, even the simplest of books and insisted that I read them to him. Now, I can proudly say he chooses chapter books he’s able to read aloud to me. He can sit calmly at dinner and focus for a much longer period of time. His coordination has improved so much, that the coach has asked him to lead some of the exercises. We couldn’t be more proud of our son, Gage! He worked hard and it really shows! Thank you Brain Balance for changing Gage’s life!” Rhonda and Lee Zollner


As the excitement of summer fills the air, children look forward to temporary freedom from school bells, textbooks, and worksheets. While this annual break from school results in some loss of previous learning, most students are able to regain the knowledge quickly once the school doors open again. Unfortunately, for children with autism, who often do not acquire skills at a rate as quickly as their peers, this annual regression is much more pronounced, and its effects are longer lasting with greater implications. In fact, a significant portion of the subsequent school year becomes dedicated to “re-teaching” instead of new learning. At The Applied Behavior Center for Autism (ABC), we provide services that stop regression before it begins. We tailor therapy programs to confront the unique challenges and opportunities that children with autism encounter during the summertime.

Blending the fun of summer with the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is our specialty at ABC. During summer months, our patients enjoy more frequent community outings, outdoor play, and outside social activities. Summertime at ABC is so much fun that patients do not realize how much they are learning. Parents, on the other hand, do notice a transformation in their children. Parents tend to report the same improvements at home as those reflected in our data and graphs: increased language use and decreased problem behaviors!

Our beautiful facilities feature the following amenities: top-of-the-line outdoor play structures, art and craft rooms, computer labs, game rooms, and indoor custom-themed gyms complete with swings, play structures and a ball pit. The Carmel center just unveiled a large, indoor, therapeutic pool that will be available to patients who attend centers around the Indianapolis metro area.

What Type of Therapy Does ABC Do?

All six of our locations treat patients with autism on a one-on-one basis with a treatment known as applied behavior analysis (ABA).

ABA therapy uses proven procedures to increase desired behaviors, such as speech,

social and daily living skills, and decrease unwanted behaviors, such as tantrums and aggression. These techniques can be used in structured settings (e.g.,

classrooms and therapy clinics) and more natural settings (e.g., playgrounds and restaurants). ABA has been used successfully with people of all ages, with and without disabilities, in a variety of settings to promote independence, quality of life, and happiness.

Once a child receives a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it’s important to find treatment options that address your child’s specific difficulties and maximize his/her strengths. ABA therapy has the best track record of scientifically demonstrating effectiveness. At The Applied Behavior Center for Autism, we strive to set your child on a course for future success.

Whether your family is seeking year-round therapy or a therapeutic boost during the summer months, The Applied Behavior Center for Autism has an option for you.

To learn more about how The Applied Behavior Center for Autism improves

language and social skills and decreases problem behaviors, contact

Jenny Lanham, Director of Business Development at

317-849-5437, ext. 112.

Summertime with ABC!


May Calendar of EventsMonday, April 28 – Saturday, May, 3Whale of a Sale Spring Sale at The Indiana State Fairgrounds. Indiana’s largest upscale children’s consignment event featuring 47,000 square feet of clothing, toys, equipment, bedding, furniture, boutique, maternity, fabulous vendors and more... at a fraction of retail price! www.whale-sale.com

Friday, May 2, 10:00am – 5:00pmNASA’s Destination Station: International Space Station Day at the Indiana State Museum. International Space Station Day, featuring NASA’s Driven to Explore mobile exhibit including a lunar touchstone. www.indianamuseum.org

Saturday, May 3, 9:00am – 12:00pmPint-Size Beyond the Exhibit: All Aboard!at the Children’s Museum. Hop on board as you and your family learn and play. See the locomotive, the Reuben Wells and learn about how trains have changed over time. Pretend to be the conductor, station master, or engineer on your very own cardboard train that you create as a family. Participate in fun activities all about trains. www.childrenmuseum.org

Thursday, May 8 – Friday, May 9Prairie Tykes: How Does Your Garden Grow? at Connor Prairie. Explore seeds, flowers and a garden, and then make a craft for Mothers Day. Prairie Tykes is custom made for little ones and parents or grandparents! Connect one-on-one while you make crafts, dance, sing and take part in the special activity of the day. Sign up for one class or the whole series. www.connorprairie.org

Saturday, May 10, 10:00am – 2:00pmIndy 500: Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day at Soldiers & Sailors Monument Circle. Engage the whole family in the excitement of the 500 Festival at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day--the state’s largest outdoor free festival for children. With interactive and educational displays, games, clowns, arts and crafts, inflatables and entertainment galore, this is THE event your kids (and you!) won’t want to miss! www.500festival.com

Saturday, May 10, 10:30am Peanut Butter & Jam Series: Klezmer Folk Music at The Center for the Performing Arts. Plan now to bring your family to the Peanut Butter & Jam Saturday morning music series! Explore a multitude

of musical genres alongside your children. The experience is 30 minutes of music, with 15 minutes for the families to touch and play with the musical instruments, including Q&A with the artists. The entire matinee experience is geared for youth ages 1-7. Kid Kazooey, Kevin MacDowell, is a singing and swinging one man band with fresh interpretations of Klezmer. www.centerfortheperformingarts.com

Saturday, May 10 – Saturday, May 17 Take Me There China: Grand Opening at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This new, permanent exhibit will be one of the largest comprehensive exhibits on contemporary China ever produced in the United States. Visitors will board a modern Chinese airliner and fly over the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and other iconic and culturally significant sites in the world’s most populous country before “landing” in Beijing. Adults and children will be able to explore ancient customs and modern activities through art, music, food, tea culture, and ancient Chinese medicine. In a special immersion experience, families will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about Chinese celebrations, traditions and even learn martial arts “basics” through the museum’s partnership with the famous Shaolin Temple, the home of Chinese Kung Fu. www.childrenmuseum.org

Thursday, May 15 – Saturday, June 29Mary Poppins at Beef & Boards Dinner Theater. Flying in to Beef & Boards for the first time is that practically perfect nanny. With a little magic and a lot of common sense, Mary Poppins is a nanny like the troubled Banks family has never seen before, and she teaches them to value each other again. This recent Broadway hit is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film. www.beefandboards

Saturday, May 31, 11:00amWalk for Autism Speaks at The White River State Park. Join those affected by autism, their families, friends and supporters at Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Celebration Plaza in White River State Park. Funds raised will go towards autism awareness, research and advocacy. www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

If you would like your event included in our monthly calendars, submit it by going

to wwwIndyKidsDirectory.com.


I was recently asked to do a segment on Fox 59 on how

much time should children under the age of 3 be exposed to smart phones, notebooks and tablets. In doing the research, there is a consistent message that children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to any devise and children age 3 should not have over 20 minutes of media use because it interferes with the social interaction that they need to learn healthy relational skills according to The American Pediatric Society. Many parents will use their phones or tablets to entertain small children and yet they really need one on one interaction to develop normally. When a child is 3 they are much more likely to be able to assimilate the game playing skills that kids need for intellectual brain skill development. However what we are wondering is at what developmental expense?

In today’s hectic world it can be difficult for parents to juggle a very full schedule and take care of young ones. As simple as it may sound, handing your child your phone or tablet can often turn into a 45 minute babysitter which can be harmful especially if done several times a day. I know that it certainly can appease a child in a car who is coming home from day care or hanging out with you in the kitchen while you are cooking, but the truth of the matter is that there are 3 major dangers that could be putting your child in harm’s way.

• Thereisjustnotenoughresearchyettoknowhowtablet/phoneusagewillaffectyourchild’sdevelopment.Doctorsarealreadyseeingsomeprettycompulsivebehaviorthatisoccurringinchildrenwhohaveopenaccesstothesetypesofdevises.Iamatherapistwhoisexperiencingalotofpreteensandteenswhoarecomingtotheofficewithgamingaddictions.Theyhavehadyearsofplayinggamesontheirparentsphonesandtablets.Parentsareconcernedthattheirchildisnolongerwantingtointeractwithkidsandthat

hisorherfirstpreferenceisthegame.

• Itinterfereswithachild’snaturalabilitytolearnrelational skills throughfacetofacecontact..Parentsarecomplainingthatalthoughtheyareconfiscatingtheirchild’sphonesafterhours,theirchildissneakingoutandgrabbingitwithouttheirknowledgeandarecaughtplayinggamesinthemiddleofthenightorperusinginstagramorsnapchattingwithpictureswhichareallartificialwaysofmakingcontactwithothersthatdeprivesthechildfromfacetofaceinteraction.

• Youareflirtingwiththepotentialofdevelopmentaldanger.ThereissomeindicationthatnotonlyisitinterferingwithrelationalskillsbutitmaybecausingsomemotordelaysandmuscularstrengthissuesaccordingtotheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics.Parentsoftentimesbelievethatitisimprovinghandeyecoordinationbutatwhat other expense?

So for now while the jury is still out on how your child is affected....follow the guidelines that can assist your child in making good healthy decisions.

Be the role model for healthy interaction for your child. Keep your phone and tablet use to a minimum and use your drive time, down time and wait time for interacting with your child. Limit everyone’s use to 15 minutes and keep the phone and tablets on lockdown whenever possible. There is nothing wrong with a tech-savvy family.....but moderation is always the key!

Carol Juergensen Sheets

Carol Juergensen Sheets LCSW PCC is a psychotherapist and personal life coach. She does motivational speaking and empowerment trainings locally and nationally. To find out more about her services--contact her at www.carolthecoach.com or call her at 317-218-3479.

Tablets, Phones and Toddlers and Teens


Noblesville Kids Dentistry is growing healthy teeth! Noblesville Kids Dentistry is the office of Dr. Sam Bullard and Dr. Swati Singh. The husband and wife team met while attending the IU School of Dentistry, and then both continued on to Riley Children’s Hospital of Indianapolis where they both completed their two year residencies, specializing in the care for children. This is an additional 2 years of pediatric training on top of the 4 years in general dentist training. Dr. Bullard and Dr. Singh are parents themselves, and know the importance of the growth of your child’s smile. Caring for your child’s oral health through prevention, quality treatment, and positive motivation is their top priority.

Noblesville Kids Dentistry knows that you are growing something special, and so are we. We are an educational based prevention focused pediatric dental practice where your children’s imagination will be embraced through our innovative approach to dentistry. If you have a child 1 year in age you should be seeing a pediatric dentist. This helps us establish a dental home for them. Starting early and providing a safe comfortable environment with exceptional customer service helps us nurture a relationship with your child and build a foundation for a lifetime of oral health care.

Our office is designed to promote a fun environment. It is equipped with amenities such as televisions and video game systems. Additionally, we use state of the art technology such as lasers, digital x-rays, tooth colored crowns and fillings, and even “non-drilling” fillings. We not only provide routine dental care such as checkups and cleanings, but also provide treatments on related dental issues such as thumb-sucking and orthodontics. For nervous and anxious patients, options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and sedation dentistry, including dental care in the hospital.

Our Tooth Fairy helps us reach out to schools and daycares in the community to promote oral health care. It is our goal to be an active partner in our community. We provide dental care for children, adolescents, and those with special health care needs. We accept most all dental insurances so, no referral is needed. We have round the clock emergency coverage. We have staff members to assist with Spanish, Hindi, and American Sign Language. We look forward to partnering with you and helping you make dental visits an important and fun adventure for your children. New patients are welcome. Let’s grow healthy teeth together!


MondayJim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu - 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060

CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Chick Fil-A 3360 W. 86th St. The Pyramids Indy

TuesdayScotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204

CR Heroes 10570 E. 96th St. Fishers, IN 46037 - Cancun - 6714 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, INJim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu - 2301 Conner St. Noblesville, IN 46060

Massey’s Pizza Kids’ eat free w/ adult from pizza buffet - 172 Melody Ave., Greenwood, IN CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free

Chick-fil-A Southport Rd. Indy Kids eat free Tuesday Evenings Chick-fil-A 6020 E. 82nd Castleton Mall Kids’ Eat Free Tuesday’s 4 to 8

Chick-fil-A Noblesville Buy one Get one Free Tuesday 5-9Chick Fil A Carmel 14647 US 31 North Family Night each Tuesday from 5-8pm

Hellas Café 8501 Westfield Blvd IndyChampps Indy Northside 8711 N. River Crossing Blvd. 2 children eat free with 1 adult meal all day TuesdayBob Evans’ Family Night DJ Barker Jammin’ with Biscuits & Gravy from 5-8pm

One kid eats free with each adult meal purchase. 91 Byrd Way, Greenwood in 46143 Wednesday

CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat freeMichaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd, Noblesville, IN

Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060Chick-fil-A 3802 E. 82nd Indy at the Crossing Indy Kids’ Eat Free Wednesday’s 4 to 8

ThursdayJim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060

CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat freeFriday

Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060Chick-fil-A Avon 10791 East US Highway 36 Friday May 9th: Mother Daughter Pamper Night 5:30-7:30pm

CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Saturday

Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations

CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Sunday

Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060

Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locationsCC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free

(Please call ahead to verify details)


Applied Behavior Center for Autism Seepgs.16,17,32www.appliedbehaviorcenter.orgLocations in Greenwood, Indy West, and FishersApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on using proven procedures to increase desired behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors.BACA BehaviorAnalysisCenterforAutism Seepg.9Contact Sarah Cox: [email protected] quality, intensive ABA Programs overseen by PH.D. behavior analysts.Brain Balance Seepgs.12,13www.brainbalanceindy.com317.843.92009510 N. Meridian St., IndianapolisBrain Balance’s Program has changed the lives of kids suffering with ADHD, learning disorders and behavioral issues. Our Program provides lasting results because we don’t just work with your child’s strengths or compensate for a weakness, we tackle the issue head on, by addressing the root cause at the most fundamental level. We integrate cognitive, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a highly effective, drug-free program that targets your child’s specific challenges.Children’s Dentistry of Indianapolis Seepg.25www.indychildrensdentist.com317.580.91999240 N. Meridian St., Suite 120, IndianapolisNoblesville Kid’s Dentistryhttp://noblesvillekidsdentistry.com/317.565.49599669 E 146th St Ste 260, NoblesvilleInfants, Children, Teens, Special Needs Children.

Kids Abilities Seepg.29www.kidsabilities.com317.851.8419Kids Abilities is a pediatric therapy clinicthat provides high quality services for kids.Minds In Motion Seepgs.6www.mimlearning.com317.571.8752879 W. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 A Revolutionary Way to Help All Children Achieve FULL Potential! Dramatic Results using Cutting-edge NASA Technology!Noble Summer Camps 2014 [email protected] youth with and without disabilities.Pilipis Behavioral Group LLC [email protected]. (317) 572-1313, fax (317) 572-9999152 S 9th St., Noblesville, IN 46060.Specializes in School Social Work and provides support and guidance to families and children.The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism Seepgs.2,3www.vbca.org317.848.47749830 Bauer Drive Indpls., IN 46280The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism provides year- round services offering one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children with autism ages 2 -12. All programs are overseen by Board Certified Behavioral Consultants who together have a combined 45 years of experience. Tour our center, call us or view our website today!

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indy kids directory may 2014 issue

Documents

restrictive eating behaviors

severe food refusal

diagnosis of autism

diagnosis of failure

proper nutrients

daily basis

degree of severity

years old