​Pediatric Therapy Services
in the Greater Des Moines, IA Area 

During our initial evaluation, we look at the "whole child." If the primary challenge is related to sensory processing, coordination, or daily living tasks, OT is often the starting point. If the focus is on articulation, language processing, or social communication, child speech therapy in Ankeny, IA, is usually recommended. Often, our multidisciplinary team works together because these areas of development are so closely linked.

Being neurodiversity-affirming means we don't view autism, ADHD, or other neurological differences as "disorders" to be cured. Instead, we see them as natural variations of the human experience. Our therapy focuses on helping children find tools that work for their specific brain type rather than forcing them to mask their traits or conform to neurotypical standards.

Yes, we often work with children who have restricted diets or sensory-based feeding aversions. Unlike traditional methods that might focus on "one more bite" through pressure, we use sensory based exploration. We help children become comfortable with the smell, texture, and look of new foods at their own pace to build a more varied and sustainable diet.

Neurodiversity-affirming care at Rise Pediatric Therapy means we do not view developmental differences as problems to be fixed. Instead, we respect and validate your child’s unique way of experiencing the world, focusing on building skills that improve their quality of life while honoring their authentic self. 

We believe therapy is most effective when parents are involved. Our Ames clinicians provide real time feedback and education during or after sessions, offering manageable tools and activities you can use at home to support your child’s progress in a natural, stress-free way. 

Yes, Rise Pediatric Therapy is committed to accessibility and accepts most major insurance plans. We recommend contacting our administrative team or your provider directly to confirm specific coverage details for speech, occupational, or feeding therapy.

Infant feeding therapy can help babies who have difficulty with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, oral motor coordination, prolonged feeding times, poor milk transfer, reflux symptoms, coughing or choking during feeds, feeding fatigue, and early transitions to solids. It can also support babies before and after tongue tie or lip tie release.

Parents are an important part of the therapy process. Our clinicians provide education, guidance, and practical strategies that families can use during daily feedings at home. This helps parents feel more confident and allows progress to continue outside of therapy sessions.

An infant feeding evaluation includes a review of your baby’s feeding and medical history, a discussion of your concerns, and observation of a feeding when appropriate. The therapist assesses feeding skills, coordination, positioning, endurance, and comfort, then provides recommendations based on your child’s needs.

Yes. Torticollis (tightness or preference in turning the head) and plagiocephaly (head shape flattening) can impact your baby’s positioning, comfort, and ability to feed efficiently. These challenges may make it harder for babies to latch, stay engaged during feeds, or coordinate their movements. At Rise Pediatric Therapy, we assess how your baby’s overall movement and positioning may be influencing feeding and incorporate gentle, supportive strategies to improve alignment, comfort, and feeding success.