PTN’s foundation is rooted in the legendary work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres – an occupational therapist, educational psychologist, and advocate for individuals with special needs. Dr. Ayres developed, practiced and tested a theory called sensory integration which she believed to be necessary to a child’s ability to be successful in everyday activities. PTN’s founding directors trained under Dr. Ayres for many years.
While we generally teach children about five senses – taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing – two additional senses called vestibular and proprioception focus on balance, movement and body awareness that are critical to our ability to function in the world. Sensory integration is taking in all the information from the seven senses and the environment, and organizing it so we can move, learn, play, and plan our actions.
PTN is recognized worldwide as leaders who use sensory integration approaches to help children reach their full potential.
1996: A Dream is Born
A group of therapists and parents envisioned a treatment center dedicated to providing therapy to children with special needs and educating the professionals who would treat them. That year a dream became a reality and PTN was born.
1997: Summer Lovin'
PTN launched Camp Escapades offering an experience for children who otherwise would not be able to enjoy a summer camp. Today, 5,000 campers have made summer memories to last a lifetime, while 7,000 teen volunteers have left the experience with increased awareness and acceptance for individuals with disabilities.
2003: Lives Touched
PTN's client base reached 1,000! Children received occupational therapy to teach them to write their name for the first time, speech therapy to help them say their first word, or physical therapy to empower them to take their first step. Today, tens of thousands of children have reached a new milestone at PTN.
2005: The Faces of PTN
PTN launched our Junior Ambassador program: the youth face who represents PTN in the community. Our first ambassador, Rachel Handlin, received services at PTN for a decade. Today, she is attending the prestigious California Institute of the Arts where she became the first person with Down syndrome at the school.
2010: Child Development
PTN was awarded a grant to begin an Early Head Start program for families who qualify under the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The program promotes healthy prenatal outcomes for women and enhances the development of children. PTN's program is the only one in the nation held at a therapy center to embed therapy directly into the curriculum.
2013: All Abilities
PTN began accepting health insurance. This broadened our reach to support children of all abilities including those with autism spectrum disorder, medical issues, developmental delays, learning disabilities, sports related injuries, and orthopedic and neurological challenges.
2014: Expansion
PTN opened two new treatment centers in Torrance: PTN's Clubhouse for our growing social skills and community integration program and PTN's Annex for our expanding early intervention program, Leaps and Bounds.
2016: World Renowed
PTN celebrates year 20 of our unique graduate training program in affiliation with the University of Southern California. Pediatric therapists from more than 38 countries have participated in this program.
2016: HERE WE GROW AGAIN
PTN opened the doors to PTN Long Beach! Spacious, bright, shiny and colorful...the 6,000 square foot facility is dedicated to meeting the developing needs of children and their families in the Long Beach community and surrounding cities.
2017: Innovation is Key
PTN held our first Early Start Denver Model class for babies with autism or autism-like symptoms. PTN is one of only two centers in LA County offering this cutting-edge program.
2017: Tech for Good
PTN launched Telehealth services where utilizing the webcam and microphone on your computer, tablet or smartphone, a PTN therapist can observe, interact with, and treat a child all from the convenience of their home.
2017: Award Season
PTN was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year from Assembly District 66. PTN was chosen for its leadership and service to our community from the many nonprofits located in the District.
2019: Outstanding Service Provider
PTN received the Outstanding Service Provider Award during Harbor Regional Center's 45th Anniversary Celebration. Harbor Regional Center shared: “Since their beginning, Pediatric Therapy Network has been a valued partner with Harbor Regional Center to deliver critical early intervention services. They work hand-in-hand with Harbor Regional Center to make sure that we are reaching out to families who may not otherwise be aware of services. Together, we experience the joy of these families as their children blossom."
2019: Torrance Expansion
We added over 3,500 square feet of treatment space in Torrance to serve more children! Our new space provides a dedicated space for children with feeding and eating challenges that includes a full kitchen and a dining room to simulate the home environment. It also houses a large gym with specialized equipment for physical therapy, a place to provide telehealth services, an Augmented and Alternative Communication resource center to help children find their voice, and a new classroom for our growing Early Start Denver Model program for babies and toddlers with autism.