Little Me Community
A Community of Helpers for Infants
Physical Therapy
addresses concerns related to motor skills (balance, strength, and coordination), head shaping, head turn preference, myofascial restrictions, and breathing mechanics impacting feeding and play
Occupational Therapy
addresses concerns related to sensory regulation impacting sleep, feeding, and play, calming the nervous system, using one side of the body more than the other, vision difficulties, and selective eating of solids
Speech/Feeding Therapy
addresses concerns related to infant feeding difficulties and oral motor concerns (chewing, sipping, and swallowing), and quality of feedings all while working to make feedings manageble and enjoyable
Our Therapists
Laurie Niederhauser-Imel, PT
Physical Therapist
Infant regulation, gross motor development, neuroplasticity, and nurturing the caregiver bond in a child's therapeutic process are all primary passions for Laurie. She has experience with home therapy through First Steps and clinically at Riley Hospital for Children in NICU, NICU follow up clinics and general pediatrics. Laurie is the mother of 2 and grandmother of 4.
laurie@littlemept.com
(317) 507-2470
Annie Chambers, OTR
Occupational Therapist
With experience in NICU-follow up developmental and feeding clinics, as well as general pediatrics, Annie’s passions include providing treatment through a neurodevelopmental lens, focusing on vision, helping caregivers establish safe sleep practices, educating caregivers on infant sensory needs, and providing a no-pressure feeding approach to starting solids.
earlybirdsot@gmail.com
(812) 701-1828
Abbi Bowman, SLP
Speech Therapist and Feeding Specialist
Abbi has experience in the Riley Hospital for Children NICU follow-up clinic, pediatric videofluorscopic swallow studies, and First Steps. With a passion for infant feeding, Abbi finds, implements, and educates caregivers on safe feeding plans for medically complex infants.
munchkinsfeedingslp@gmail.com
(317) 752-7734
What We Offer
FREE 10 minute initial phone consultation: Discuss concerns, answer basic questions, and determine if a thorough evaluation is needed. The therapist will help determine which type of therapist(s) are appropriate to evaluate your little one.
Initial Consultation: Your 0-22 month old child will be evaluated with assessment tools, observation, and caregiver questions specific to your concerns. Next, a customized treatment plan will be developed to promote progress. Empowering caregivers with strategies and techniques that can be easily incorporated into routines is a significant focus of our assessment process.
Treatment: Following the initial consultation, follow up treatment session(s) may be scheduled to more thoroughly address a child’s unique needs. A customized home program will be created and updated each session. Treatment time will be determined based on the needs of your infant.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach
A challenge may present in one area (such as feeding), and it will be important to recognize other systems (breathing and sensory system) that may be contributing in order to address the root of the challenge with greatest success
Our team works together to identify underlying challenges and create a comprehensive, customized treatment plan
With a focus on caregiver training and education, caregivers will be given specific techniques and tools to help their infant advance
Areas of Specialities
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) / Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Reflux / GERD / Constipation
Neurologic Concerns
Sensory Dysregulation
Sleep Difficulties
Transition to Solids
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
Breathing Concerns
Asymmetrical Movements (using one side of the body different than the other)
Torticollis (neck tightness)
Plagiocephaly (head shape concerns)
Feeding Tubes (NG / Gtube)
THE MISSING LINK
Why is additional support needed for infants who were exposed in utero?
15% of live births across US involve substance use
89% of babies who have experienced exposure in utero will show symptoms of withdrawal / neurobehavioral challenges. These challenges can impact feeding, sleep, communication of cues, and connection with caregivers. When these early life experiences are disrupted there can be lifelong consequences.
With Little Me Community we have a community of helpers ready to serve this population and their unique challenges from the beginning, instead of waiting until the problem persists.
How are we different from traditional Early Intervention services?
This therapy community provides immediate services while the child awaits evaluation and intervention provided by In-Home Early Intervention (such as First Steps). Little Me Community is not a replacement for First Steps, rather an enhancement by providing therapy through a different lens. First Steps appropriately utilizes a developmental model, following milestones. In order to qualify for First Steps, children generally demonstrate a delay in development. Little Me Therapy utilizes a proactive approach, seeking to address concerns before they become persistent delays. This is an important distinction, particularly for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure who may not follow the neurotypical path of development and their challenges may be disguised, while still present. Little Me Community helpers follow a neurodevelopmental model - finding the root cause of concerns, while understanding the connection of an infant's development and the impact of substances.
