(Courtesy of POTS) Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services (POTS) celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021 with a series of celebratory events for patients, families and the community. One of the first sensory gyms in New Jersey, POTS opened its doors in 1991 and today has locations in Teaneck and Waldwick. Under the direction of Dr. Chaye Lamm Warburg, POTS offers occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapy services, specializing in sensory integration, autism, ADHD and other developmental disorders.
After earning a degree in occupational therapy and master’s degree in motor learning from Columbia University, Warburg began providing therapy in her home sensory gym while teaching the pediatric OT course at Columbia University. A solo practitioner until 1994, she opened a practice in Englewood in response to the growing demand for OT services. She ultimately moved to a larger space in Teaneck in May of 2000, expanding services to include physical, speech, feeding and aqua therapies. To better serve the greater community, Warburg opened a satellite location in Waldwick in July of 2018. POTS also maintains close relationships with local schools, providing OT in the classroom, and proactively infusing OT techniques in preschool programs.
For Warburg, seeing both the practice and the industry grow and evolve over decades has been a rewarding adventure. “Over the years, social trends, public health initiatives, and various parenting trends have impacted the way children live, play, learn and develop,” she explains. “We are always adding new techniques and technologies to our toolbox, and we are consistently evaluating new techniques and theories that are truly therapeutic and impactful.”
Warburg is now treating children of one of her first four patients from 1991, and she sees the second generation of many clients. Yet, the needs of patients in private practice have changed dramatically. “We’re treating a very different patient than we did 30 years ago,” she explains. “Changes in legislation, the spikes in autism and ADHD – these are just a couple of the contributing factors which have changed the nature of who we’re seeing in private practice.” Warburg also sees the impact of COVID restrictions on young patients and families. “There is a big impact on first-time parents, their babies and toddlers,” she explained. “The support system that’s an organic part of being a new parent, including emotional support, has been missing. And, over the past year, children have lost valuable time and opportunity for socialization.”
Warburg attributes POTS’ ongoing growth and success to a holistic view of each patient and therapy that is cutting-edge, yet fun and engaging. “What sets us apart is our ‘world view’ of the child,” she explains. “We look at how they function everywhere. Without the limitations of a medical or educational model, we help them adapt and thrive in all settings, at home, at school and in the community.” Warburg and her team design targeted intervention plans to address each child’s unique needs. “To the child,” she explained, “therapy should look and feel like an awesome playdate.”
Looking to the future, Warburg looks forward to continuing to serve the region at both POTS locations. “Today, I’m fortunate to have many great colleagues and this is a friendly area to have a practice.”
For more information and to access a free developmental checklist, visit www.potsot.com.
