FAQs
Why do StepUp with Upward OT Pediatrics?
As an OT practicing in pediatrics for over 20 years, Neuronet’s Step Up has been one of the most effective treatment methods that I have utilized with clients. This program addresses timing, rhythm, focus, coordination, balance, following directions, bilateral integration, sequencing, and motor planning. Step Up (a Neuronet program) positively affects executive function, visual/auditory processing, balance, crossing midline, sensory integration, visual motor and fine motor skills. I love the way it motivates clients to become independent learners! I have seen tremendous progress in clients who consistently utilize this program. And it's effective for a wide range of clients, from preschool kids just learning to follow directions and follow a sequence, to middle school students who need help with multi-step motor/cognitive processing. Every aspect of the program is based on neuroscience research.
What results should I expect for my child?
When children consistently use the Step Up to Learn Program, they will develop a foundation of skills that make them READY TO LEARN! I have seen dramatic and significant improvement within a few months in my client’s handwriting, executive-functioning, automaticity (having speed and accuracy in the processing of information), processing sequential skills, discriminating sounds, and working memory. When children develop confidence in their ability to learn, I see their initiative, organization, and processing speed and accuracy begin to SOAR! It is important for success in life that children learn to persevere, even on hard tasks and have the confidence that they can solve problems!
What is a typical treatment session like?
Treatment sessions will be in a clinic setting once a week or once every 2 weeks.
A treatment session will range from 30 minutes to an hour.
A typical session will include therapeutic activities and exercises for motor coordination and visual/auditory processing.
Your therapist will assess, teach and guide your child through a neuroscience-based online program that you will purchase to complete at home (Step Up to Learn).
Your Therapist will review progress from the last visit and determine when your child will progress to the next level of the program.
Depending on your child’s individualized plan of care, a session may include other OT treatment modalities such as: handwriting, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), sensory processing, attention, or sensory regulation/modulation.
Fine motor skills: buttoning, zipping, tying shoes
Handwriting: age and stage appropriate handwriting for proper letter/number formation, spacing, and size with functional speed balance activities
Motor coordination exercises: using upper and lower body together, using right and left side of body together
Sensory integration play for self regulation: Tactile, auditory, vestibular, visual, and/or olfactory systems
How much practice time is required at home?
The web-based program is performed 5 days a week for approximately 15 minutes per day, including auditory processing with vision and motor coordination. Step Up to Learn is a quick & easy program for parents to implement throughout the week.
During the daily practice, the client performs short and engaging exercises. This keeps practice fun and practice time manageable.
Do you accept health insurance?
As an out-of-network provider; we do not bill insurance for you. At the time of service, payment will be expected. OT will provide you with procedural codes that you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company to determine if they will pay for your child’s out of network services.
Do you offer telehealth?
After an in-person evaluation at the Charlotte office, we have limited availability for telehealth visits. Please submit the inquiry for an evaluation on our website and indicate telehealth in your message to join the wait list. In person visits are preferred.
How is Upward OT services different from traditional occupational therapy services or a tutoring program?
Upward OT therapists are certified through NeuroNet to provide this specialized neural networking program to support learning success and independence. Step Up addresses the root cause of delays in reading, math, and handwriting by building a foundation for the clients on which to grow in their academics, attention, regulation, social skills and motor coordination.
Who would benefit from OT services utilizing Step Up to Learn?
If you have noticed any of these areas as being difficult for your child or if a teacher has commented that they struggle in these areas, you may request an OT evaluation to be assessed for Step Up. Some behaviors that may indicate that your child could benefit from Step Up include delays in:
Visual memory: difficulty in seeing and remembering details
Visual analysis: difficulty seeing how to solve problems
Auditory memory: struggles to learn days and months
Auditory analysis: repeats new words accurately
Auditory processing: follows directions
Gross motor skills: gets around without tripping and bumping into things
Fine motor skills: struggles with age appropriate ADLs such as tying shoes/dressing, messy eater, poor scissor skills
Attention and Self-Regulation: has difficulty starting and staying focused on completing age appropriate tasks
This program is beneficial for children who struggle in any one or all of these areas: difficulty completing schoolwork or handwriting accurately, neatly AND on time. This program has tremendous benefits for children with sensory or emotional dysregulation, inattention or distractibility, frustration tolerance, impulse control, and much more.