Month: January 2022

By Joanna Stuck, PT, CIMI  Easterseals Central Illinois

A concern that many parents of new babies share is that their baby seems to have a preference for the position of their head. This preference may be torticollis (tor-ti-col-lis). The word comes from two Latin root words, “tortus” and “collum,” that together mean “twisted neck.” This condition is relatively common in babies and often can be noted very soon after birth. There are several different reasons this may occur and so it is important to determine why this is happening so that it can be quickly understood and getting help to resolve it can begin. The earlier it is noticed and intervention begins, the faster it can be resolved! This is great news!

Here are things you might notice and want to bring to your pediatrician’s attention:

• Your baby’s head tilts or rotates to one side
• Limited range of motion in head and neck
• Asymmetry in your baby’s head and face (flattening on one side of the head)
• Breastfed babies may prefer one side over the other
• A small, soft lump in your infant’s neck
• The most commonly noticed symptom is a flat spot appearing behind one ear and on the side the baby likes to look toward

When strategies to correct the side preference begin by 2-4 months of age, resolution of concerns generally occurs quite quickly. Very few children require surgery to correct this condition and this is generally not considered until other attempts have been made to resolve the concerns.

Your physical therapist can offer fantastic support to you in providing what your baby needs to grow and develop and will help you know if further help, such as for head shape, is needed. We love to partner with families and support them in the growth and development of their children! If you and your pediatrician determine it is time to get the support of a physical therapist for your baby’s development, then please come and see us at Easterseals Central Illinois at (309)686-1177

References:

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/intermountain-moms/2017/11/infant-torticollis/

https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/t/torticollis

Clinical Application of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guideline by Micah Huegel PT, DPT, Physicaltherapy.com, ContinuED course date 11.9.2018

Using the ECHO model, this innovative program is the first of its kind in the nation

The Autism Collective launched ECHO Autism in the Classroom on Friday, January 28th, 2022. This program aims to connect education professionals with experts on autism spectrum disorder. Participants will attend four sessions covering the basics of autism, behavior management, classroom-based supports, and supporting children through life and educational transitions. There are 50 participants from 47 schools, 38 school districts, and 18 counties across Illinois.

ECHO Autism in the Classroom aims to empower educators with essential knowledge and connect them with experts.

“After two successful ECHO Autism sessions with Primary Care Physicians, we saw how this program could also be a lifeline to educators in our communities. By utilizing the ‘all-teach-all-learn’ education model, ECHO Autism in the Classroom focuses on interactive case discussions. We are excited to see how this program empowers participants and creates a supportive network across Central Illinois”

Holly Swearingian, Manager of Clinical Operations for The Autism Collective and the Hub Team Director

Project ECHO was started in New Mexico by a physician who saw far too many patients traveling extensive distances to find expert care. Project ECHO spreads knowledge from centralized locations into every community. ECHO Autism is a branch of Project ECHO that focuses specifically on spreading knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

To learn more about ECHO Autism in the Classroom, The Autism Collective, or resources available in our community for persons with autism, visit www.TheAutismCollective.org

For the second year in a row, Easterseals is inviting all of Central Illinois to participate in the Easterseals Community Rally, April 16^th – 23^rd. This week-long celebration is a chance for community members to rally in support of Easterseals Mission; to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential

“The last two years have presented challenges for all of us, but for families of children with disabilities and special needs, those challenges have been even more complex and daunting,” said Katie Musisi, Vice President of Development for Easterseals Central Illinois. “The Easterseals Community Rally is an opportunity to celebrate those families and the progress made, and we want the whole of Central Illinois to join us in that celebration and ensure that families can continue to feel that support year-round through Easterseals services.”

The Easterseals Community Rally is made possible by CEFCU. Special thanks to our honorary co-chairs Illinois State University President Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, and Bradley University President Dr. Stephen Standifird.

There are many ways to rally for Easterseals:

• Register for Run, Walk & Rally! A family-friendly 5K run /1 mile walk that celebrates participants of all abilities! Join us for a post-race party with prizes and games. Wheel chairs and strollers are welcomed and encouraged.
  • Saturday, April 16^th at 8:00 am in the East Peoria Levee District in East Peoria
  • Saturday, April 23^rd at 8:00 am in Tipton Park in Bloomington
• Tune in to the week-long telethon! WMBD and Easterseals are teaming up to raise money to support therapy services for the children and families of Easterseals! Tune in to WMBD/WYZZ newscasts Monday, April 18^th – Friday. April 22^nd from 4-6 pm during Community Rally week to make your donation.
• Rally Your Own Way! Your support helps ensure that every child Easterseals serves can reach their full potential. Last year, Easterseals Central Illinois served over 5,000 families and provided 36,792 hours of pediatric therapy services.
  • Host a Fundraiser:  Create a fundraising page, host a small gathering or workplace challenge. There are so many ways to raise money for Easterseals and celebrate our message of inclusion and empowerment.
  • Make a Donation: Find a list of upcoming fundraising events or make a direct donation now at Eastersealsci.com.

Learn more at Eastersealsci.com/CommunityRally

Zoey’s mom describes her as a fighter.

After receiving her diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) just over a year ago, Zoey began working with Easterseals therapists Shannon and Meghan. Zoey is now in therapy twice a week at Easterseals and is making great progress. In September, Zoey achieved a huge milestone – she took her first independent steps!

“On paper, she should never ever walk. But this little girl is a fighter. She may be tiny, but she is fierce. She is special,” says Zoey’s mom, Ali.

Zoey and her mom Ali were recently featured on WMBD news! Check it out below:

‘She is just doing the unthinkable,’ Local Easterseals patient defies the odds with every step

This unique program helps families and caregivers with a way to connect to services, like education, treatment, medical and community-based services for children with Autism. Since its inception in 2019, The Autism Collective has served more than 800 families across 47 counties in Illinois.

“Ameren’s continued support of The Autism Collective shows their dedication to supporting families in Central Illinois. This grant makes it possible for families to access this service free of charge. Our community is full of amazing resources for children and adults with Autism. The Autism Collective is vital in helping families navigate the complex web of services”.

Steve Thompson, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois

The Autism Collective is housed in the Easterseals building, alongside the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic and other Autism services. Learn more about The Autism Collective at www.TheAutismCollective.org