Keeping Our Community Healthy: A Guide to Illness Prevention and Clinic Policies at Hands in Motion PNW
Hi everyone, Jill here. As the owner and CEO of Hands in Motion PNW, I usually love seeing our hallways at 16124 E Marietta Ave filled with the energy, laughter, and hard work of our students and staff. However, today is a little different. As many of you know, we made the difficult decision to close the clinic for two days—today (Tuesday, February 24th) and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 25th)—due to an exceptionally high rate of illness among our students and team.
Closing our doors, even for two days, is never a decision I take lightly. I know how much our families rely on the consistency of ABA therapy, speech support, and our inclusive preschool programs. But at the end of the day, my primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of every person who walks through our doors. When illness spreads this rapidly through our Spokane Valley community, hitting pause is the most responsible way to break the cycle of transmission and give everyone a chance to recover.
To help us get back on track and stay healthy as we move through this PNW winter and into the spring, I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide. This isn’t just about "clinic rules", it’s about how we, as a community of parents, therapists, and educators, can protect our most vulnerable learners.
Why Community Health Matters in a Therapy Environment
In a clinic like ours, we work in close proximity. Whether it’s 1:1 ABA therapy, group language sessions, or our preschool playgroups, our students are often sharing toys, tables, and physical space. Many of our learners are also working on developing the fine motor skills needed for proper hygiene, or they may have sensory sensitivities that make wearing a mask or using hand sanitizer a challenge.
Because of this unique environment, a single virus can travel through the clinic quickly. By following a shared set of health standards, we aren't just protecting our own children, we are protecting the therapist who works with five other families, the student with a compromised immune system, and the staff members who keep our programs running.
Prevention Starts at Home: Tips for Parents
We are all in this together. While we are doing deep cleans of the clinic today, prevention really starts before you even pull into the parking lot on Marietta Ave.
1. The Power of the "20-Second Scrub"
We know, we know, getting a toddler or a child with sensory processing needs to wash their hands for a full 20 seconds can feel like an Olympic sport. However, it remains the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. At home, try using a visual timer or a specific "hand-washing song" to make the duration predictable.
2. Report Symptoms Early
If your child woke up with a "mild" sniffle or seems just a little "off," please let us know. Even if you aren't sure if they are truly sick yet, proactive communication allows us to keep a closer eye on symptoms and prepare our staff.
3. Sensory-Friendly Hygiene
For our students on the spectrum, hand sanitizer can feel "slimy" or "cold," and the scent can be overwhelming. If your child has a specific brand of wipes or sanitizer they tolerate well, feel free to send it in their bag! We want to make hygiene as low-stress as possible.
Behavior as Communication: Spotting the Early Signs of Illness
For many of our students, especially those who are non-verbal or use ASL as their primary mode of communication, "telling" us they feel sick isn't always possible. In these cases, we have to look for physical and behavioral cues.
Behavioral Changes to Watch For:
- Increased Irritability: Is your child melting down over tasks they usually master? Pain or discomfort often manifests as "problem behavior" when a child can't vocalize their aches.
- Lethargy: If your high-energy learner is suddenly seeking the "cozy corner" or laying their head on the table, their body is likely fighting something.
- Sensory Seeking or Avoidance: Sometimes, a fever or a headache can make lights seem brighter or sounds seem louder. If your child is suddenly covering their ears or squinting more than usual, it could be a physical symptom.
- Loss of Appetite: If they are turning away their favorite reinforcement snacks, a sore throat or upset stomach might be the culprit.
Physical Signs:
- Glassy or watery eyes.
- Flushed cheeks.
- Persistent coughing or "mouth breathing" (which can indicate nasal congestion).
- Changes in bowel movements.
When to Keep Them Home: Our Criteria
To keep the clinic running safely, we ask that you follow these strict "Stay Home" guidelines. This ensures that when we are open, we are a safe space for everyone.
Your child must stay home if they have:
- A Fever: Any temperature of 100.4°F or higher. The child must be fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Motrin) before returning.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: At least one full 24-hour period must pass since the last episode.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that is frequent, productive (hacking up mucus), or interferes with their ability to participate in therapy.
- Rashes: Any unexplained rash until a doctor has cleared it as non-contagious.
- Eye Discharge: Redness, itching, or crusty drainage (signs of Pink Eye).
If we notice these symptoms during a session, we will call you for an immediate pickup. We know this can be an inconvenience for working parents, but it is essential for the health of our community.
A Quick Guide to Common PNW Illnesses
In the Spokane Valley area, we see a rotation of the "big four" during the colder months. Here is a quick comparison to help you identify what might be going on:
| Illness | Key Symptoms | Timing/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) A & B | High fever, sudden onset of body aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough. | Hits hard and fast. Usually peaks in late winter. |
| COVID-19 | Fever, sore throat, cough, loss of taste/smell (sometimes), fatigue. | Symptoms vary widely; testing is the only way to be sure. |
| RSV | Congestion, "barky" cough, wheezing, decreased appetite. | Particularly dangerous for very young children and those with respiratory issues. |
| Norovirus | Sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea. | The "24-hour bug." Highly contagious via surfaces. |
Supporting Our Unique Learners
At Hands in Motion PNW, we specialize in serving the Autism and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) communities. Illness adds an extra layer of complexity for these families.
For Our Families with Children on the Spectrum
Medical procedures can be scary. Nasal swabs for COVID or Flu tests can be a sensory nightmare. We recommend "practicing" with a Q-tip at home or using a social story to explain what happens at the doctor. If your child is sensitive to the feel of a thermometer, let us know, we can work on desensitizing that "boop" on the forehead as part of their goals!
For Our Deaf and HOH Community
Communication shouldn't stop because of a mask. When respiratory illnesses are high, our staff utilizes clear masks so that our students can still see facial expressions and engage in lip-reading. If your child is feeling sick, we use visual aids and ASL signs like "SICK," "HURT," and "REST" to help them communicate their needs. It is vital that they feel understood even when they aren't feeling their best.
Moving Forward Together
Spokane Valley is a beautiful place to live and work, but the "PNW crud" is a real thing. By being diligent today, we can ensure a healthier tomorrow. We are spending our closure today sanitizing every surface at 16124 E Marietta Ave, from the LEGOs to the therapy mats.
We miss our students already, but we are excited to welcome everyone back once the "fever has broken" for our clinic community. If you have any questions about your child’s specific schedule or our health policies, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Stay hydrated, get some rest, and keep those hands washed!
For more resources on our services and clinic updates, visit us at http://www.handsinmotionpnw.com.
Warmly,
Jill
Owner, BCBA, CEO
Hands in Motion PNW LLC
