Let’s Get To Know Diane Ryan

I am so excited to announce that we launched EP 8 of the LittleWins Podcast series last Friday, featuring Diane Ryan! Diane has been my daughter Ava’s Occupational Therapist for the past 7 years. I attribute so much of Ava’s success and growth to Diane’s expertise, individualized care, agility, and her skill at providing me with the tools I need when they are needed.

When Ava was born, I tried to find as much information as possible on how to best care for her and get her all the help she would need. Finding straight answers and clear directions was nearly impossible. I didn’t know the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, or the many ways I could be helping Ava and her team. Seven years later, I’ve learned so much. The purpose of this podcast is to hopefully clear up confusion for anyone who is just starting this journey, who is now where I was then. Diane is a wealth of knowledge. I’m forever grateful to have her in our lives, and I’m thrilled she was open to sharing with all of you!

Diane Fritts Ryan (OTR/L, C/NDT), graduated from the University of Illinois and has over 35 years of pediatric experience with babies, children, and young adults with neurological impairments. Mrs. Ryan currently works at Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley. She is a State of Illinois Early Intervention Evaluator and therapist. She has assisted in the development/ongoing evaluation of at-risk babies in the Neonatal Dupage Developmental Follow-Up Clinic.  Mrs. Ryan has been an OT and NDT instructor for the 8-week pediatric course and the advanced certification for infant treatment since 1990. She has assisted in several advanced baby and UE/hand regulation, and vision treatment courses in the U.S. and internationally. She has published articles relating to UE/hand function and co-authored chapters on the assessment and treatment of infants with neurological impairments.

In this episode, we discuss the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, when to consider it for your child, individualized care from a holistic approach, and more… be sure to tune in this Friday for the full interview on all podcast platforms! We hope you find it helpful and thank you for tuning in!