Little Me Community
THE MISSING LINK
Why is additional support needed for the exposed population
Silent epidemic to prenatal exposure
15% of live births across US involve substance abuse - look at Indiana’s and how it has increased
89% of these babies will show symptoms of withdrawal / neurobehavioral challenges - impacting feeding, sleeping, communicating cues, and connecting with caregivers- when these are disrupted there are lifelong consequences
withdrawal can persist for 6 months, 21 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for injuries in childhood - 3 times more likely to die before 12
*research on statistics
Solution: what we believe, our method
MISSING LINK: serving INFANTS vs. caregivers
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
Rates
Individual Service Rates
*take away individual rates and emphasize multi-disciplinary
Multi-Disciplinary Rates
Multidisciplinary Treatment
Infant’s bodies are multi-faceted, interdependent systems. There are times when a multidisciplinary session may be most appropriate for your child. In this case, 2 different types of therapists will work with your child at the same time to optimize outcomes. An example of this may be working on breathing, positioning, or sensory calming while feeding.
Two Services (OT/PT, OT/ST or PT/ST):
Initial In-Person Consultation: $310/75 minutes*
Treatment: $220/60 minutes
Three Services (PT, OT, and ST):
Initial In-Person Consultation: $450/90 minutes*
Treatment $300/60 minutes
*Pricing subject to change if increased time is needed
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.
The 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
How are we different from traditional Early Intervention services?
This therapy community provides immediate services while the child awaits evaluation and intervention provided by First Steps. Little Me Community is not a replacement for First Steps, rather an enhancement to timely intervention, while also providing therapy through a different lens. Additionally, 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 actual delays. This is an important distinction, particularly for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure who may not follow the neurotypical pathway and their challenges may be disguised while still present. Little Me Therapists follow a neurodevelopmental model - finding the root cause of problems, while understanding the connection of an infant's various systems and the role substances may have played in prenatal development.
*we build connection/attachment, first steps focuses on the milestones; solo vs. team
Contact Us
If you are interested in connecting with any therapist or more than one, please feel free to email, text, or call the therapist listed above.