Showing posts with label Autism ASD PDD-NOS OT occupational therapy vestibular dysfunction SPD sensory processing disorder the out of sync child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism ASD PDD-NOS OT occupational therapy vestibular dysfunction SPD sensory processing disorder the out of sync child. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halloween OT

Joey's OT has been Halloween themed for the month of October and they've been having so much fun. Joey had to walk balancing pumpkins on his head and even had to crawl over big pumpkins. He made a ghost out of plastic bags and a balloon. He's even worked on fine motor skills by cutting up small pieces of tissue paper, crumpling them up and pasting them on a foam ghost. He also had to make it through a Halloween maze, navigating different terrains and practiced trick or treating with another young boy.

I am so glad that Joey has had the opportunity to start OT because it is helping him tremendously.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

OT Evaluation

October 15, 2008 I wrote a blog post about OT. I wrote about it because Joey's behavioral pediatrician suggested he get some occupational therapy since kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder improve greatly with it. Shortly after that, I had my son's annual IEP meeting in which they told me that he didn't qualify for individual OT and that what he received in a group setting would be sufficient. They were wrong.

I had told Joey's DDD support coordinator that I thought he needed some OT. On the day he got approved for services, I received my weekly email from Horizon Pediatric Therapy, where Joey used to receive speech therapy. They just happen to have a weekly OT appointment slot open up. I jumped on it!

The therapist said that Joey has issues crossing midline and he needs to practice switching his body weight from one foot to the other and touching opposite feet with opposite hands. He also has issues with vestibular movement and proprioceptive system. When I figure out what this all means, I'll write more!

He was uneasy being on a swing and it dawned on me then that he never really goes on swings at a playground. She also mentioned that if he is having issues with sitting on the potty, which he is, it could be because he doesn't have upper body coordination and strength. She suggested using pillows between him and the toilet or installing bars next to the toilet. After his gastro appointment, I will probably try this. She also mentioned a lot of tips inside the Out of Sync Child book, which I have but have not made it all the way through.


To be continued...


Check out the below link for a picture of Joey from his group speech therapy during the summer of 2008.

http://www.horizonaz.com/parents.php