To date, local parents who have children with developmental delays have had to travel to a city to get help for their children. While early intervention has huge advantages, working parents in particular, find it difficult to get the services needed.
Now, children are going to be able to get services locally through Wolf Therapy and Wellness, which is opening Wolf Pediatric Therapy Services at the Eastgate Center at 4052 E. Van Buren. Wolf will hold an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, which will include a ribbon cutting and free children’s physical, occupation and speech screenings for developmental delay.
Wolf operates a similar clinic, Wolf Pediatric Therapy Services of Barry County, in Cassville, Mo. And owner Sheila R. Wolf said Wolf Wellness has been helping many children in the area over the past six years via their contacts in several area school districts.
“With developmental delay being on the rise in our area, we really felt it was time to bring our skill and passion to local families in need so that they do not have to drive so far for physical, speech or occupational therapy services,” Wolf said. “Our children are our future, and they are struggling now more than ever. These services should not cost the parents a cent. We accept all health insurances including Medicaid. It truly is about advocating for these children and providing these parents workshops and training on how to continue to help their children. We will even go to the child’s natural environment such as daycare, preschool or home to provide therapy for those who are in need.”
Wolf Wellness also operates an adult fitness and physical therapy center in Holiday Island. “We at Wolf Wellness Center have been so very successful in Holiday Island, helping our adult patients reach their goals simply because of the passion each of our therapists have to improve the lives of those we serve,” Wolf said.
Wolf said concerns from parents that may indicate the need for an evaluation include the following:
- My child doesn’t seem to be growing the way (s)he should.
- My child seems very tight or stiff in the way (s)he should.
- My child is weak and limp, similar to a rag doll.
- My child isn’t able to keep up when playing with children of the same age.
- My child seems to get tired very quickly.
- My child overreacts to loud sounds.
- My child has difficulty sitting still.
- My child rocks or flaps his or her hands when anxious.
- My child has difficulty with puzzles or handwriting.
- My child seems behind it cutting and coloring skills.
- My child is behind in self-care skills such as toilet training, dressing, or feeding self.
Signs of a physical development or early motor delay include delayed rolling over, sitting or walking; poor head and neck control; avoids eye contact; muscles feel hard and rigid or soft and limp; speech delay; swallowing difficulty; unable to hold a bottle; difficulty using feeding utensils; body posture that is limp or awkward; clumsiness; and muscle spasms.
The phone number for Wolf Pediatric Therapy Services is (479) 363-6422 or email wolftherapy4kids@gmail.com.