Pediatric PT Specialist at Hands On Publishes Book on Special Needs Children
Kerry L. Walsh, PT MS*, Toms River, who has worked at Hands On Physical Therapy, 780 Route 37 West, Toms River, since 2009, specializes in treating children with such special needs as Torticollis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Disorders, developmental delay, and neurological and orthopedic conditions, among others.
Walsh, herself, a parent of a child with autism and a senior pediatric physical therapist at Hands On, knows first-hand what can help parents and children with special needs. She recently co-authored the book STARS Social Skills Training and Readiness Skills, a multidisciplinary approach for children with special needs, ages 3 to 21.
At work, Walsh uses both clinical expertise and her extensive course work in NDT, (Neuro-Developmental Treatment, a hands on technique for central nervous system pathophysiology, such as cerebral palsy and adults with cerebral vascular accidents) and MFR (Myofascial Release), Craniosacral Therapy and Sensory Integration to provide manual care.
Walsh can be reached at the Toms River Hands On Physical Therapy office (732-736-7007) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Walsh received her M.S. in Physical Therapy in 1995 from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass. She has more than 20 years of pediatric experience, with a concentration in the 0-3 population. Walsh has practiced in pediatric settings, including NICU, acute care, home-based early intervention, and outpatient and long-term care rehabilitation. She served as the outpatient physical therapy supervisor at a Level II Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, and was an integral member of the Infant Toddler Assessment Program for high risk infant follow up. Walsh also worked at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River, N.J., and served as a co-facilitator of their Autism Support Group.
Walsh has been the guest speaker at several conferences for early childhood educators and most recently was a co-presenter for “Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Autism” at the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference.
She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Pediatrics Section of APTA, and the New Jersey Physical Therapy Association.
Walsh, who is active in her community, served as the assistant director of Maternal Wings Charity for Expectant Mothers from its inception in 2007 through 2013. In addition she utilizes her experience as the parent of a child with autism to assist other parents, providing resource information about various educational and recreational opportunities for children with special needs. She also volunteers as an assistant coach for the Brick Stars Challenger Hockey Team.
STARS Social Skills Training and Readiness Skills by Walsh, Lynn M. O’Dell-Pateman, and Jaime E. Meyer-McHale is available at Amazon. For more information, contact Kerry Walsh at 732-604-5215.
*PT – Physical Therapist MS – Master’s Science in Physical Therapy
About Hands On Physical Therapy: Hands On Physical Therapy, founded in 2003, offers orthopedic physical therapy, aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy consisting of early intervention, sensory integration, and autism spectrum disorders, treatment of peripheral neuropathy, personal training, and nutrition consultation. Clinics at 224 Jack Martin Boulevard, Unit E4, in Ocean Medical Park, Brick; and 780 Route 37 West, Suite 210, Toms River N.J., are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Aquatic Therapy is held two times a week.
Hands On offers free transportation to and from appointments. The clinics accept many health insurances and Medicare. For more information visit www.HandsOnNJ.com or call the Toms River clinic at 732-736-7007 or the Brick clinic at 732-746-3933.