Pediatric Developmental Therapy
Our Experienced Developmental Therapists Treat Children in Washington D.C. and the Surrounding Area
Commence Your Journey
Welcome to Milestone Therapeutic Services, where we understand the unique journey of childhood development. Our Developmental Therapy program supports children from infancy to adolescence, helping them reach their full potential, overcome obstacles, and celebrate milestones.
Whether your child is experiencing delays, sensory processing issues, or behavioral challenges, our dedicated pediatric therapists provide compassionate and effective care.With evidence-based practices and innovative techniques, we promote growth, independence, and confidence in every child. Explore our Developmental Therapy page to learn more about our services and how we can support your child’s developmental journey toward a bright future.
What is Developmental Therapy?
Developmental Therapy (DT) is a discipline that assesses and addresses global child development needs during the critical period of early development, birth through 5 years. This comprehensive approach integrates various therapeutic techniques and interventions to support children in reaching their developmental milestones and enhancing their overall well-being. It encompasses a range of services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and behavioral therapy, among others.
The goal is to provide individualized care that promotes each child’s optimal growth, development, and functional independence, ultimately helping them achieve their full potential. At Milestone Therapeutic Services, our therapists deliver care with a personalized touch, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and their family, fostering progress and celebrating every milestone along the way, enabling children to positively engage in routines, at home and in the community.
Does My Child Need Developmental Therapy?
Possible Reasons for a Referral to Developmental Therapy
Developmental therapy focuses on helping young children build foundational skills across areas like communication, social interaction, motor development, and daily routines. A referral to developmental therapy may be recommended when a child is not meeting expected milestones or shows signs of delay in one or more areas. Below are some common reasons a child may be referred for developmental therapy support.
What We Treat
- Prematurity
- Sensory processing delays associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Speech delays
- Limited social skills
- Behavioral concerns
- Vision impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Cognitive delays, difficulty learning
- Fine motor, gross motor, and perceptual motor delays
Treatment Options
Possible treatment used in developmental therapy for children include:
- Play-Based Interventions: Engaging children in structured play to encourage developmental progress.
- Parent Coaching and Education: Teaching caregivers strategies to support development in daily routines.
- Routine-Based Intervention: Incorporating therapy goals into everyday activities like meals and playtime.
- Social Skills Training: Helping children learn to interact, share, and communicate with peers.
- Sensory Integration Activities: Addressing sensory processing challenges through tailored sensory experiences.
- Language and Communication Support: Enhancing expressive and receptive language through modeling and interaction.
- Motor Skill Development: Improving fine and gross motor abilities through targeted exercises.
- Behavioral Support Strategies: Using positive reinforcement and structure to shape behavior and attention.
- Adaptive Skill Building: Promoting independence in dressing, feeding, and toileting tasks.
- Collaboration with Other Providers: Working with therapists, teachers, and doctors to create consistent care plans
We Specialize in Developmental Therapy
Our Developmental Therapists (DT) specialize in helping children with developmental delays, disabilities, and challenges to improve their cognitive, social, motor, and functional skills. This includes eating, grooming, dressing, attending, communicating, playing, and learning.
Our Developmental Therapist’s (DT) process involves a series of methods that help design and implement a personalized intervention plan tailored to your child to promote growth and maximize potential. These include:
Screenings
A developmental therapist (DT) may use screening tools or observation to check if your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones. Results are reviewed with the family to determine next steps.
Assessments
Standardized assessments are used to identify strengths and challenges in key developmental areas. Families receive a report outlining the results.
Caregiver Support
DTs work with families to create play-based routines that support development and strengthen parent-child interactions. Parents are given resources and strategies to support their child at home and in the community.
Consultation
DTs collaborate with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to share strategies that promote a child’s growth and development.