Peds Need to Know Terms

Strength-based focus

Emphasizes client and family strengths in therapy.

Infant sitting stage

Infants sit erect unsupported by 7-9 months.

Moro reflex

Early indicator of neurological issues in infants.

Therapeutic use of self

Building relationships and trust with clients.

Cultural competence

Self-reflection on cultural impact in practice.

Top-down approach

Evaluates child's function before specific skills.

Pediatric OT strategies

Includes consultation, coaching, guiding, and education.

Just-right challenge

Task challenges match child's current performance level.

Health equity

Absence of disparities in health among social groups.

Health disparities

Differences in health outcomes due to social factors.

Children in poverty healthcare

False; they often have limited healthcare access.

Early intervention program

Not mandated in all 50 states for infants.

Parenting style impact

Parenting affects OT interventions and child interactions.

Fetal period

Prenatal stage starting at the 9th week.

Embryonic period

Stage from conception to 8 weeks gestation.

Germinal period

First two weeks post-conception before implantation.

Toxic substance susceptibility

Embryonic period is most vulnerable to toxins.

Labyrinthine righting reflex

Helps maintain upright posture in infants.

Placing reactions

Infants reflexively place feet on surfaces.

STNR

Symmetrical tonic neck reflex affecting posture.

Therapeutic relationship

Key tool for effective occupational therapy.

Germinal

First stage of prenatal development, conception to 2 weeks.

Fetal

Final stage of prenatal development, 9 weeks to birth.

Infancy

Developmental stage from birth to 1 year.

ATNR

Reflex causing head turning, arm/leg extension.

STNR

Neck reflex affecting arm and leg positioning.

Protective extension

Reflex to prevent falls by extending limbs.

Neonatal neck righting

Reflex allowing head alignment with body.

Neuroplasticity

Brain's ability to reorganize, highest in infancy.

Red flags

Signs indicating potential developmental concerns in children.

Language/communication

Developmental area involving speech and gestures.

Fine motor

Skills involving small muscle movements, like grasping.

Gross motor

Skills involving large muscle movements, like crawling.

Self help

Skills for personal care and daily tasks.

Occupational profile

Assessment tool to determine client's needs and goals.

Early intervention

Support services for children aged 0-3 years.

IFSP

Individualized Family Service Plan for early intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Standards to qualify for early intervention services.

Developmental delay

Significant lag in reaching developmental milestones.

Family involvement

Key principle emphasizing caregiver participation in interventions.

Standardized assessment

Structured evaluation method for measuring skills.

Functional outcomes

Goals based on real-life skills and family needs.

Sliding scale

Cost determination based on family income.

Developmental areas

Domains of growth: cognitive, social, physical, emotional.

Physical development

Growth and motor skills progression in children.

Speech & language development

Acquisition of communication skills in early childhood.

Social and emotional development

Understanding emotions and social interactions in children.

Adaptive development

Skills for daily living and independence in children.

Cognitive development

Mental processes like thinking and problem-solving.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for special education.

Part C of IDEA

Early intervention services for infants and toddlers.

Eligibility criteria

Standards determining qualification for early intervention.

25% delay

Minimum developmental delay required for services.

DAY-C assessment

Evaluates developmental domains for children aged 0-5.

Family-Centered care

Care approach prioritizing family involvement and concerns.

Adaptive skills assessment

Evaluates child's ability to perform daily activities.

Autism diagnosis

Specific eligibility exception under federal guidelines.

Down Syndrome

Genetic disorder affecting physical and cognitive development.

Cerebral palsy

Neurological disorder affecting movement and coordination.

Blindness

Significant visual impairment impacting daily functioning.

Significant hearing loss

Severe auditory impairment affecting communication.

Micro baby

Infant born weighing less than 1,000 grams.

Germinal period

First two weeks post-fertilization in prenatal development.

Embryonic period

Weeks 3 to 8 of prenatal development.

Fetal period

Final stage of prenatal development from week 9.

Home assessment

Evaluation conducted in the child's natural environment.

Caregiver report

Information provided by family about child's development.

Thermal regulation

Ability to maintain body temperature effectively.

Viability

Ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb.

Colic

Excessive crying in infants, often unexplained.

Self-help skills

Basic skills for personal care and independence.

Associative play

Children play together but not interactively.

Parallel play

Children play alongside each other without interaction.

Primitive reflexes

Automatic responses present at birth, fading by 12 months.

Best practice

Using evidence-based methods for effective client interventions.

Developmental milestones

Key skills expected at specific ages in children.

Crawling importance

Essential for developing motor and visual coordination.

Communication development

Rapid growth of language skills in preschool years.

Behavioral control

Ability to manage emotions and actions effectively.

OT interventions

Strategies tailored to improve client function and well-being.

Standardized assessment

Uniform evaluation tool for measuring development.

Infant nervous system

Underdeveloped system in infants under 26 weeks.

Health differences

Variations affecting motor and social skills in children.

Caregiver assistance

Support provided by adults for children's tasks.

Zipper skills

Ability to independently use zippers on clothing.

Toddler play behavior

Typical interactions among toddlers during play.

Visual motor skills

Coordination of vision and hand movements.

Dietary impact

Mother's nutrition affecting infant development.

Milestones in preschool

Key developmental achievements during early childhood.

Infant seating devices

Equipment used for safety and support in various settings.