UPSTATE PEDIATRIC THERAPY + CO

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT

frequently asked questions

We celebrate the expansive sensory enrichment of the outdoors as our greatest tool for therapy. Using the sounds, smells, natural light for improved circadian rhythms, textures, visual and varying terrain for one of a kind enhancements to your child’s experience.

On top of providing the environmental enrichment in the outdoors, we offer equine-assisted therapy that is a super power of it’s own. In partnership with the nervous system of the horse, we experience co-regulation and witness a miraculous connection unique to the horse+human bond.

Determining whether outdoor equine therapy is right for your child involves considering various factors related to your child’s needs, preferences, and the goals of therapy. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

  1. Nature of the Child’s Challenges:
    • Equine therapy can be beneficial for a range of challenges, including sensory processing issues, behavioral difficulties, social skills deficits, anxiety, and more. Consider whether the nature of your child’s challenges aligns with the goals of equine therapy.
  2. Interest in and Comfort with Animals:
    • If your child has a positive interest in and comfort with animals, particularly horses, this can be a positive factor. The bond formed with a horse during therapy can be a motivating and rewarding experience.
  3. Outdoor Environment Preferences:
    • Some children thrive in outdoor environments, finding them calming and inspiring. If your child enjoys being outdoors and responds positively to nature, equine therapy, typically conducted in open and natural settings, may be well-suited.
  4. Individualized Assessment:
    • Before starting equine therapy, it’s essential to have a thorough assessment by a qualified occupational therapist or equine therapist. The assessment will help determine if equine therapy is a good fit for your child’s specific needs and goals.
  5. Therapeutic Goals:
    • Clearly identify the therapeutic goals you hope to achieve through equine therapy. Discuss these goals with the therapist to ensure that equine-assisted activities align with your child’s developmental, sensory, or emotional needs.
  6. Safety Considerations:
    • Assess the safety measures in place during equine therapy sessions. Certified therapists should prioritize the safety of both the child and the horse. Discuss any concerns you may have with the therapist.
  7. Parent/Caregiver Involvement:
    • Understand the level of involvement expected from parents or caregivers during equine therapy. Some programs may encourage family participation or provide recommendations for activities to reinforce therapeutic goals at home.
  8. Communication and Collaboration:
    • Effective communication between you, the therapist, and any other professionals involved in your child’s care is crucial. Ensure that there is a collaborative approach to address your child’s holistic needs.
  9. Trial Sessions:
    • If possible, consider starting with a trial session to observe how your child responds to equine therapy. This can help you gauge their comfort level and engagement before committing to a more extended therapy plan.

It’s important to note that while equine therapy can be highly beneficial for many individuals, its appropriateness can vary from person to person. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and occupational therapists, can provide valuable insights and guidance based on your child’s specific circumstances.

Evaluations will be performed in the clients home setting.

Therapy Sessions will be performed in outdoor settings as determined by client + occupational therapist

Equine Therapy Sessions + Kid’s Corral will be held at:

Wild Hearts Equine Therapeutic Center —- 598 Wild Hearts Way Seneca, SC 29678

Therapy one-on-one sessions, and Kid’s Corral enrichment sessions will be held at the “Kid’s Corral” shelter space to the left as you enter with a sign to direct your path. You will notice the shelter is to the left of the gravel road as you enter the property. A parking lot is located to the right with access points available as needed. Equine assisted sessions will be held in the covered arena, in the yard, or in the outdoor arena space.

Our goal at Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO is to conduct services outdoors in all types of weather. In the case that the weather impacts the safety, therapeutic experience of the client/family we will discuss in home options as necessary at that time. During the winter and wet seasons we recommend layers, wool socks, insulated waterproof boots, rain/snow jacket, waterproof snowsuit, winter hat, water proof gloves.

  1. Notice Period:
    • We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, requiring the cancellation or rescheduling of therapy sessions. To provide optimal care for all our clients, we request a minimum notice period of 24 hours for cancellations or rescheduling.
  2. Late Cancellation or No-Show:
    • Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee. This fee is necessary to compensate our therapist for the time reserved for your child’s session.
  3. Emergency Exceptions:
    • We understand that emergencies may occur, and exceptions may be made in such cases. Please communicate any emergency situations directly with our office as soon as possible.
  4. Repeated Cancellations:
    • In cases of repeated cancellations or consistent challenges with adhering to the cancellation policy, we may need to reassess the scheduling arrangement and discuss possible solutions. Three consecutive cancellations result in the client being placed on the waitlist.
  5. Communication:
    • Open communication is essential. If you anticipate difficulties attending a scheduled session or need to reschedule, please contact Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO as soon as possible. We are here to work with you to find suitable alternatives.
  6. Make-Up Sessions:
    • Depending on therapist availability, we offer make-up sessions within a reasonable timeframe for cancellations made with proper notice.
  7. Policy Review:
    • This cancellation policy is subject to periodic review, and any updates will be communicated to clients in advance.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this cancellation policy. It allows us to provide consistent and effective pediatric occupational therapy services to all our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.

In order to provide the highest quality of care and equip clients and caregivers in the way that aligns with our values, we are a fee for service provider. This means that we are a cash-based model and do not accept insurance in order to better address the needs of our clients and families with our time and resources. We will provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for out of network reimbursement. HSA reimbursement can be pursued independently with your HSA provider.

Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO can address a wide range of diagnoses and conditions in the nature based setting. The therapeutic benefits of nature and outdoor environments are recognized in various areas of occupational therapy. Here are some examples of diagnoses that we may treat in outdoor settings:

  1. Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD):
    • Outdoor environments provide rich sensory stimuli that can be beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges. The occupational therapist may use nature to help individuals regulate and process sensory information effectively.
  2. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):
    • Outdoor occupational therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals with autism. Natural settings provide a less structured environment where individuals can engage in activities that promote sensory integration, social skills, and motor planning.
  3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
    • Outdoor activities can contribute to improved focus and attention. The occupational therapist may design interventions to help individuals with ADHD harness the benefits of nature to enhance concentration and self-regulation.
  4. Anxiety Disorders:
    • Nature is known to have calming effects, and outdoor therapy can be effective in reducing anxiety. The occupational therapist may incorporate outdoor activities to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and related challenges.
  5. Depression:
    • Exposure to natural environments and physical activity are associated with improved mood and mental well-being. Outdoor occupational therapy may be used as part of a holistic approach to address symptoms of depression.
  6. Physical Disabilities:
    • Outdoor settings provide opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to engage in activities that promote mobility, strength, and coordination. The occupational therapist may incorporate adapted outdoor activities to work on specific physical goals.
  7. Developmental Delays:
    • Outdoor activities can be used to address developmental milestones, including motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities. The occupational therapist may design interventions to support individuals with developmental delays.
  8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
    • Nature-based interventions may be incorporated into the treatment of individuals with PTSD. Outdoor therapy can offer a therapeutic and calming environment to address symptoms related to trauma.
  9. Balance and Coordination Issues:
    • Outdoor settings provide varied terrain and surfaces, offering opportunities to work on balance and coordination. The occupational therapist may use nature to design activities that challenge and improve these skills.
  10. Social Skills Challenges:
    • Outdoor activities often involve teamwork and collaboration. The occupational therapist may use outdoor settings to facilitate social skills development and improve interpersonal interactions.

It’s important to note that the specific interventions will depend on the individual needs and goals of the client. Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO aims to create customized and client-centered interventions to address the unique challenges presented by various diagnoses.

Equine-assisted therapy, also known as equine therapy or horse therapy, is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions between individuals and horses performed at Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO. It can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals with diverse needs. Here are some examples of people who might find equine-assisted therapy appropriate:

  1. Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD):
    • Equine therapy provides rich sensory stimuli that can be beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges. Occupational therapists may partner with horses to help individuals regulate and process sensory information effectively.
  2. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):
    • Equine therapy can be effective for individuals with ASD, helping them improve social skills, communication, and sensory processing through interactions with horses.
  3. Children and Adolescents with Behavioral Issues:
    • Equine therapy can provide a unique and engaging environment for children and adolescents struggling with behavioral challenges. The responsibility of caring for a horse can teach empathy, responsibility, and self-control.
  4. People with Anxiety and Depression:
    • Partnering with horses in a calming outdoor setting can have therapeutic benefits for individuals dealing with anxiety and depression. The presence of horses can promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
  5. Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
    • Equine therapy has shown promise in helping individuals with PTSD. The non-judgmental nature of horses and the outdoor setting can create a safe space for individuals to process and manage trauma.
  6. Those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
    • Partnering with horses may help individuals with ADHD improve focus, concentration, and impulse control. The structured nature of equine activities can be particularly beneficial.
  7. People with Physical Disabilities:
    • Equine-assisted therapy can be adapted for individuals with physical disabilities. Riding and partnering with horses can help improve balance, coordination, and strength.
  8. Individuals with Stress-related Disorders:
    • The calming presence of horses and the outdoor environment can be conducive to stress reduction. Equine therapy may be helpful for individuals experiencing stress-related disorders.
  9. Those Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
    • Equine therapy may be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Activities involving horses can address cognitive, physical, and emotional aspects of recovery.
  10. Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities:
    • Equine-assisted activities can be tailored to address the unique needs of individuals with learning disabilities, promoting cognitive, emotional, and social development.
  11. Those Seeking Personal Growth and Development:
    • Equine therapy is not limited to addressing specific diagnoses. It can be valuable for individuals seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and improved emotional well-being.

It’s important to note that equine-assisted therapy is often conducted by licensed therapists or certified equine therapy professionals who have expertise in both mental health and horsemanship. The suitability of equine therapy for an individual depends on their specific needs, goals, and preferences. Before starting equine therapy, individuals should undergo an assessment to determine the appropriateness of the intervention for their unique circumstances.

Parent involvement during outdoor occupational therapy sessions can be valuable for the child’s progress and can contribute to a more holistic therapeutic approach. The level of parent involvement may vary based on the child’s needs, the therapist’s approach, and the specific goals of therapy. Here are several ways parents can be involved during outdoor occupational therapy sessions:

  1. Initial Assessment and Goal Setting:
    • Parents can actively participate in the initial assessment process and intake paperwork, providing insights into their child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Collaboratively setting therapy goals ensures that the therapeutic plan aligns with the family’s priorities.
  2. Therapy Planning and Communication:
    • Therapists may involve parents in the planning of therapy activities. Regular communication between therapists and parents allows for updates on progress, discussions about challenges, and adjustments to the therapeutic plan as needed.
  3. Observation and Participation:
    • Parents have the opportunity to observe sessions or even participate in certain activities. This helps parents understand the therapeutic process, learn techniques to support their child at home, and reinforce therapeutic strategies.
  4. Home Program Implementation:
    • Therapists often provide home programs or activities that parents can incorporate into their daily routines. This may include outdoor activities, sensory strategies, and exercises that support the child’s occupational therapy goals.
  5. Collaboration in Goal Reinforcement:
    • Parents can work collaboratively with therapists to reinforce therapy goals during everyday activities. This may involve incorporating therapeutic strategies during outdoor play, family outings, or nature-based activities.
  6. Participation in Outdoor Activities:
    • Some therapy activities may involve outdoor play, nature walks, or other recreational activities. Parents may be encouraged to join in these activities to support their child’s engagement and to facilitate carryover of therapeutic concepts.
  7. Providing Feedback:
    • Parents play a crucial role in providing feedback to therapists. They can share observations about their child’s progress, any challenges faced at home, and factors that may impact the child’s engagement in outdoor activities.
  8. Setting Realistic Expectations:
    • Therapists and parents can work together to set realistic expectations for the child’s progress. Understanding the child’s strengths and challenges allows for a collaborative approach to goal-setting and intervention strategies.
  9. Encouraging Independence:
    • Therapists often work with parents to promote the child’s independence. Parents can reinforce therapy goals by encouraging their child to practice skills learned during outdoor sessions in everyday situations.

Parent involvement is most effective when it is collaborative, supportive, and aligned with the child’s therapeutic goals. Clear communication between therapists and parents fosters a partnership that enhances the child’s overall development and well-being.

Unmounted activities with equine partners, also known as ground-based or unmounted equine therapy, can have numerous positive effects on individuals participating in the activities. These activities, conducted on the ground rather than on horseback, involve interacting with and caring for horses. Here are some positive effects associated with unmounted activities with equine partners:

  1. Emotional Regulation:
    • Interacting with horses in unmounted activities can promote emotional regulation. The calming presence of horses and the rhythmic nature of activities can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
  2. Building Trust and Confidence:
    • Ground-based activities create opportunities for individuals to build trust and establish connections with the horses. As individuals experience success in tasks such as grooming and leading, their confidence and self-esteem may improve.
  3. Enhanced Communication Skills:
    • Working with horses requires clear communication, both verbal and nonverbal. Individuals learn to be aware of their own communication styles and adapt to effectively interact with the horse, which can translate into improved interpersonal communication skills.
  4. Increased Self-Awareness:
    • Unmounted equine activities often involve reflective exercises and mindfulness practices. This encourages individuals to become more aware of their own thoughts, emotions, and body language, fostering greater self-awareness.
  5. Sensory Stimulation:
    • Engaging in activities such as grooming, leading, or navigating obstacles provides diverse sensory stimuli. This sensory-rich environment can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges, helping them regulate and integrate sensory information.
  6. Improved Social Skills:
    • Group activities with equine partners encourage collaboration and teamwork. Individuals learn to work together, communicate effectively, and problem-solve, promoting the development of social skills.
  7. Responsibility and Accountability:
    • Caring for a horse involves a level of responsibility. Individuals participating in unmounted activities learn to take care of the horse’s needs, fostering a sense of accountability and commitment.
  8. Mind-Body Connection:
    • Many unmounted activities focus on body awareness, posture, and movement. This helps individuals develop a stronger mind-body connection, improving coordination, balance, and overall physical awareness.
  9. Stress Reduction:
    • Spending time with horses in a non-riding setting has been shown to reduce stress levels. The outdoor environment, combined with the therapeutic presence of horses, contributes to a calming and stress-relieving experience.
  10. Increased Patience and Persistence:
    • Horses respond well to patience and persistence. Individuals learn that building a connection with a horse may take time, requiring patience and consistent effort. This can transfer to increased perseverance in other areas of life.
  11. Therapeutic Metaphor Exploration:
    • Unmounted activities often involve metaphors that can be explored in a therapeutic context. The way individuals interact with and navigate challenges with the horse can be metaphorically related to their own life experiences.
  12. Promotion of Physical Activity:
    • Engaging in unmounted activities often involves physical movement, promoting exercise and overall physical well-being.

Unmounted activities with equine partners are versatile and can be tailored to address various therapeutic goals. They provide a unique and holistic approach to promoting emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Mounted activities with equine partners, also known as mounted or riding equine therapy, can have a range of positive effects on individuals participating in the activities. Riding horses, under the guidance of a trained therapist or instructor, provides a unique and therapeutic experience. Here are some positive effects associated with mounted activities with equine partners:

  1. Improved Coordination and Balance:
    • Riding a horse requires individuals to engage and strengthen core muscles, improving overall balance and coordination. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with motor coordination challenges.
  2. Enhanced Motor Planning and Execution:
    • Riding involves a series of coordinated movements, from mounting the horse to guiding it through various activities. These actions help individuals develop and refine motor planning and execution skills.
  3. Sensory Integration:
    • The rhythmic and repetitive movements experienced while riding a horse contribute to sensory integration. This can benefit individuals with sensory processing disorders, helping them organize and regulate sensory input.
  4. Increased Strength and Endurance:
    • Riding engages various muscle groups, promoting increased strength and endurance. This physical activity is particularly beneficial for individuals working on muscle development or rehabilitation.
  5. Improved Posture:
    • The act of riding requires individuals to maintain a proper and upright posture. Over time, this can contribute to improved overall posture and body awareness.
  6. Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem:
    • Successfully riding and blending with a horse can be a confidence-building experience. Individuals gain a sense of accomplishment and mastery, which positively impacts self-esteem.
  7. Emotional Regulation:
    • The rhythmic motion of horseback riding has a calming effect and can contribute to emotional regulation. The connection formed between the rider and the horse provides a therapeutic and soothing experience.
  8. Enhanced Attention and Focus:
    • Riding requires attention to the horse’s cues, the environment, and one’s own body. This focused attention can carry over into other aspects of life, improving overall concentration and focus.
  9. Social Interaction:
    • Interaction with the equine partner, occupational therapist, equine facilitator, and trained volunteers provide a safe environment for socialization in the therapeutic setting.
  10. Therapeutic Bond with the Horse:
    • The relationship formed between the rider and the horse can be therapeutic in itself. Horses are known for their intuitive and non-judgmental nature, contributing to a positive and supportive therapeutic bond.
  11. Increased Independence:
    • Learning to blend with and guide a horse fosters a sense of independence and empowerment. Individuals gain confidence in their ability to navigate and interact with their surroundings.
  12. Cognitive Benefits:
    • Riding activities often include cognitive tasks, such as following directions, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. These cognitive challenges contribute to cognitive skill development.

It’s important to note that mounted activities with equine therapy sessions should be conducted by trained therapists, facilitators, and trained volunteers. The positive effects mentioned above are part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach that considers the individual’s unique needs and goals.

Referrals are beneficial from pediatricians, chiropractors, or schools for therapy services, but not necessary.

Yes, two restrooms are available onsite. The closest is located at the covered arena with a low threshold entrance. This bathroom is ADA compliant with grab bars and ample space for maneuvering assistive devices as needed. The furthest is located in the “yard” through the walk in gate by the office, past the house on the right, and up the ramp next to the tack room.

Parents are allowed to observe enrichment sessions and encouraged to step back to allow the children to experience these sessions with freedom and facilitation from the occupational therapist only. This allows for more “exploratory play”, “anything is possible”, and “all safe play is good play” attitude of creativity and learning. We encourage parents to use this as a time to learn more about your child’s sensory preferences, and create space for their imaginations to expand. This can also be a drop off session with parents returning prior to the end of the session.

Email, text message, Google Classroom, Google Forms.

Yes, our outdoor therapy space can be accessed by wheelchairs over terrain and bathrooms are ADA accessible. We have a wheelchair swing on site on the swing set. We strive to provide access to the therapeutic benefits of nature to all children, and will work creatively to achieve this goal for your and your family.

Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO uses Google Classroom as a way to organize intake paperwork, review assessments, communicate progress to parents, document session notes, and make suggestions for future sessions and goals.

Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO uses a variety of assessments to evaluate the sensory, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children. These assessments help therapists identify strengths and challenges, establish baseline skills, and develop targeted intervention plans. Here are the occupational therapy based assessments that we use:

  1. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2):
    • The BOT-2 assesses fine and gross motor skills in children, including activities such as running, jumping, cutting, drawing, and grasping. It helps identify motor coordination and motor planning difficulties.
  2. Sensory Profile (SP):
    • These assessments are designed to evaluate a child’s sensory processing patterns and identify sensory processing challenges. They help occupational therapists understand how children respond to sensory stimuli in their environment.
  3. Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS):
    • The PDMS assesses both fine and gross motor skills in children from birth to six years old. It evaluates skills such as crawling, walking, drawing, and grasping.
  4. Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI):
    • The Beery VMI assesses visual-motor integration skills, which are essential for tasks like writing and drawing. It evaluates a child’s ability to coordinate visual perception and motor skills.
  5. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III):
    • The Bayley-III assesses developmental abilities in infants and toddlers, including cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills.

The occupational therapist will use a combination of standardized assessments, clinical observations, and parent/caregiver interviews to gain a holistic understanding of a child’s abilities and challenges. The selection of assessments depends on the specific needs and concerns of the child being evaluated.

If you have a current occupational therapy evaluation that was completed within the last 12 months from a South Carolina based OT, we can transfer your Plan of Care to Upstate Pediatric Therapy + Co for a fee of $100. Depending on the case, we will discuss if evaluations need to be updated and performed for current goals of the client and family.

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