Arivu offers a diverse range of services which is backed by a multidisciplinary team comprising:
To see all of our Programs, please visit our Programs page:
Human beings communicate with the environment and society using five senses: Sight (eyes), hearing (ears), taste (tongue), Feel (skin), Smell (nose). Occupational therapy focuses on using these 5 senses to improve focus, concentration,, following instructions, attention. These are required for daily functioning and learning
Sensory integration therapy is a new therapy that aims to help kids with sensory issues (which some people may refer to as “sensory integration disorder”) by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way. The theory behind it is that over time, the brain will adapt and allow kids to process and react to sensations more efficiently.
People with Sensory Integrative dysfunction experience problems with their sense of touch, smell, hearing, taste, sight, body coordination, and movement against gravity. For e.g., a child may not be able to understand what is going on around him/her and may require stimulation of senses or the child may become hyperactive when they see people and may require to be toned down. Along with this might possibly be difficulties in movement, coordination and sensing where one’s body is in a given space.
A new study in USA reports that sensory integration therapy reduces anxiety and improves daily function in children with autism.
At Arivu we have successfully incorporated Occupational/Sensory integration therapy by providing systematic movements in the form of sensory mats. Yoga and various exercises, music therapy and activities using sensory materials like balls, beads, different textured materials, etc. Establishing a Sensory Integration facility is one of our future plans.
Autism’s symptoms often include difficulty processing sensory information such as textures, sounds, smells, tastes, brightness and movement. These difficulties can make ordinary situations feel overwhelming. As such, they can interfere with daily function and even isolate individuals and their families.
The rationale is that by changing how sensations are processed by the brain, we help children with autism make better sense of the information they receive and use it to better participate in everyday tasks,”
Specific movement activities, resistive body work, and even brushing of the skin can help a child with sensory problems can reduce anxiety, calm the brain and help the children think and can decrease anxiety, making them “more confident, successful and interactive explorers.”
Speech therapy is defined as training to help people with speech and language problems. When Behavior problems like hyperactivity, lack of attention, lack of focus, lack of eye contact, lack of memory is present, Behavior Therapy combined with Speech Therapy is found to be most productive. This method practiced in USA is called as Adaptive Behavior Therapy.
At Arivu, we are experts in providing speech therapy and behavior therapy which has helped children especially with Autism, Down syndrome, Mental Retardation and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We assess and provide therapy to children having no speech to having trouble with communication skills like understanding, talking with others, understanding what they are reading and ability to write structured sentences. Following are the target areas that we provide therapy for:
Behavior therapy is based on the simple concept of positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, consequences or planned ignoring for undesired behaviors. Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. This is the first therapy required for a child with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Downsyndrome, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety and Depression. A child with behavior issues:
For Behavior Therapy to be successful, expectations and rules need to be set and it has to be implemented at home, Therapy center, school and society. At Arivu, Parents will learn how to set and enforce rules, help their child understand what he/she needs to do, use discipline effectively, and encourage good behavior. Your child will learn better ways to control his behavior as a result. Parents will learn how to be more consistent.
The objective of remedial teaching strategies is to help students who are struggling with a particular subject or skill to overcome their difficulties and improve their academic performance. The primary objective of remedial teaching strategies is to support students who are not doing well as their peers.
Social skills are a set of skills which we learn by observing peers and other members in the society. Our Special students severely lack in this area due to limited exposure to society and inability to observe and learn.
Arivu believes that Social skills can be learnt with simulated and classroom experiences. Children learn this through birthday celebrations, festival celebrations, group activities, dance and music. Children weak in social skills are identified and required training is given to them.
Special children may have difficulties in performing daily living skills like bathing, dressing, grooming and self-care work like serving food, drinking from glass, pouring, etc. To address this we have daily living skill classes where children learn about daily living skills in a safe environment. It helps the child’s brain development and improves their self esteem.
Money management is the most crucial skill that needs to be taught to Special needs children. Basic money skills is taught so that they are able to independently do shopping for their daily requirements. Simulated money is used for teaching basic money concepts.
Computer literacy is taught for children who can do basic reading and writing and some navigation. Syllabus includes using mouse, opening files and closing , creating documents, MS Office, etc.
A healthy body is essential for a healthy brain and hence Yoga was introduced so that the child is stimulated both physically and mentally. Parents are encouraged to take their children for walks and continue same exercises at home.
Daily bhajans and regular dancing sessions are conducted for overall personality development.
Art therapy is a set of therapies that stimulates a child’s brain and helps in overall growth. Art therapies like drama, acting, etc help a child to blossom into a better version of themselves.
Parents are the pillars in their child’s growth and improvement. Developmentally delayed children and Special children require empowered families who can help them. For this, parent counseling and parent training is compulsory and crucial.
