Specialized Programs 
LiFT®
Lis-ten-ing Fit-ness Trai-ner
LiFT is a personalized program designed to facilitate sensory integration, attention, speech-language acquisition, learning and overall well-being. Listening Fitness is an educational technique that uses our own voice and filtered music to develop and improve listening skills. The LiFT® attaches to an i-Pod™ and headset with microphone. The microphone input allows the user to develop the self enhancing ear-voice feedback loop while both air and bone conduction receive sound via headphones.
Challenges helped by LiFT® include but are not limited to: auditory processing deficits, central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), speech and language disorders, dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, autism, sensory integration and motor skill difficulties. It has also helped to fight depression, learn foreign languages, develop better communication skills, improve creativity, and improve singing voice.
LiFT® Programs include a receptive and expressive phase. The portions of the program are intended to “widen the range of the trainee’s auditory system”.
Intensive: Two 15-day workshops. Each day is two hours of LiFT® training with a four-week break in-between.
Non Intensive: One cycle of 1 hour per day for 60 days.
Boosts: Determined if necessary on the follow up evaluation 90 days after program completion.
Facilitated by: A LiFT® Program Specialist
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912
Tongue Thrust
The pressure of the tongue in an abnormal swallow pattern can force the teeth out of alignment and cause orthodontic relapse. Furthermore, tongue thrust can influence the alignment of the teeth and the bite. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and articulation errors. If the tongue thrust leads to an open bite, it may increase the odds of developing head and neck pain associated with TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).
Our speech-language pathologists utilize research-based therapy techniques to improve tongue thrust and swallowing. Changing an immature swallow is beneficial to the positioning of the teeth and to correct articulation of speech sounds.
Signs your child may have a tongue thrust:
If your dentist, orthodontist, or speech-language pathologist determines that a tongue thrust is present, an individualized oral exercise program is developed to best meet the needs of the patient. Tongue thrust therapy includes:
Stage 1: Training the muscles and movement patterns necessary for a good swallow and correct resting posture.
Stage 2: Teaching the correct swallow pattern.
Stage 3: Making the correct swallow a habit.
Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)
Excerpt taken from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) position statement on AAC:
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to an area of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves attempts to study and when necessary compensate for temporary or permanent impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of individuals with severe disorders of speech-language production and/or comprehension, including spoken and written modes of communication.
It is the position of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that communication is the essence of human life and that all people have the right to communicate to the fullest extent possible. No individuals should be denied this right, irrespective of the type and/or severity of communication, linguistic, social, cognitive, motor, sensory, perceptual, and/or other disability(ies) they may present.
AAC allows for ALL individuals to use the “power of communication” to their fullest potential
We are excited that we can add AAC to our list of services provided here at IT4K!
Picky Eaters 
We have experience that will allow a parent to understand why their child is refusing foods, avoiding textures, not maintaining a healthy weight or advancing to a variety more mature foods.
Reasons why children may have food avoidance:
Call today so that your child can begin positive food experiences and live a happier, healthier life.
Interactive Metronome®
Interactive Metronome is beneficial for individuals challenged by Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Sensory Integration Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, speech and language delays, motor and sensory disorders, learning deficits, and motor planning and sequencing problems. This program builds motor skills such as mobility and gross motor function as well as strengthening cognitive capacities.
Participants copy beats from a computer with different hand and foot exercises. The audio and visual guidance system provides immediate feedback, measuring the difference between the participant’s beats and the computer’s. The score given reflects timing accuracy. These exercises directly improve the processing abilities that affect attention, motor planning, and sequencing.
Facilitated by: Certified Interactive Metronome® Instructor
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912
Pen Pals
Pen Pals is a writing group developed exclusively by the Occupational Therapy Team at Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc. and is based on the Handwriting Without Tears® program. HWT is a developmental, kinesthetic, letter formation program that teaches children how to form their letters in a fun and stress free environment.
PEN PALS uses the basic principles of the HWT program with the unique addition of sensorimotor skill warm ups, music, rhythm and whole body learning.
During each week-long session, your child will participate and focus on:
Home activities will be provided daily. All materials provided in class.
Facilitated by: An Occupational Therapist trained in the HWT program, sensory integration, and motor learning principals.
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912
Sensory Motor Groups
Sensory Motor Groups are based on “Ready Bodies Learning Minds” by Athena Oden, PT. Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc. has developed the groups and utilizes a comprehensive approach to facilitating sensory integration and motor control, which drives learning, and therefore the performance of our children.
This group is appropriate for all age groups and is great for siblings. The group is offered year round.
Facilitated by: A Motor Group Therapy Specialist
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912
Parenting Support, Education, and Resources*
Being the parent of a child with disabilities presents serious challenges and struggles which create anxiety and frustration for many families. The stress and pressure to manage a child’s difficult, exhausting behaviors can be overwhelming. This parent training is designed to provide parents with strategies, materials, and resources to manage difficult behaviors in different settings. Parents will learn how to analyze behaviors and create behavior plans. Topic areas include non-compliance, aggression, perseveration, social skills, self-help skills, anxiety, and difficulty transitioning. We will also discuss strengths and positive behaviors, focusing on methods to increase and nurture these areas.
Facilitated by: Sylvia Mende, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist (PSY 15870)
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912
*Individual Parent Training Sessions Available*
Building Social Skills
Does your child have difficulty initiating play or responding when approached by peers? Is it hard for him or her to take turns, follow along with activities, reciprocate during play, and/or understand social rules? Our group is designed to help children with difficulty in social situations and more. The children will experience and practice a variety of situations while in the group setting.
Skills addressed: 
Facilitated by: Sylvia Mende, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist (PSY 15870)
Location: Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.
2815 Jefferson St, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-3912