How important is OT?

Tracy and Leanne,

Leanne, I know the kind of drawing thing you mean. I did try Luke with one as my daughter has one and finds it really easy to write on but Luke was much more interested in the movement of the thing that erased the picture. You pull it across and it then moves back on its own to erase the picture. He loves anything with movement so I need to try and find a similar thing without that on. Its good to know pencil control etc can be improved though.

I feel much better about the whole thing now as I was completely honest with the therapist when she came back and she explained everything better and really took my concerns seriously. She still believes that dealing with the sensory issues is the way to go as the underlying cause but did give some ideas on working on things if we wanted. She said his tone is within normal range (though his hands still seem floppy to me) and some of his problems could be motivational too, eg he has a pincer grip to thread cos he enjoys that and likes watching the movement of the threader and the reels on the string but has no idea how to hold crayons as he doesnt see the point in drawing cos it holds no interest for him. She suggested using felt tips to entice him with taking the lids on and off because he will like the movement so I am going to try that.

She warned against getting him to feed himself as he is already a very picky eater and we would stress and upset him more, so if we want to we will only try self feeding with things he really likes such as yoghurt or rice pudding.

She is coming back with portage in September to do the deep pressure thing as we didnt have time, but she reassured me that she didnt dismiss Lukes problems, she often doesnt do other visits and was sorry that she obviously hadnt explained things very well.

So I feel much better about things and she recommended a book called the Out of Sync Child which I have ordered and to research sensory processing to explain things more.

Thanks Mel 

Hi Demi,

I do feel better about things but I've just finished reading the book she recommended and it all seems much more complicated than she made out. I agree with you about it being really important and I find it strange that nothing else is done when sensory issues affect everything, much more than I realised.

I've had experience with OT with my daughter for different reasons and I guess I assumed the OT would do much more than it seems she will be doing.

The deep pressure sounded strange at first but I do find he likes pressure on his tummy, I calmed him today after a tantrum by hugging him tight while he sat on my knee and he moved my hand to his tummy and pressed. Will find out more when she comes next month and then I think the portage worker adapts her program to do it.

I guess we might have to go down the private route one day if I feel he needs it.

Mel x

Hi Demi,

I've never used a weighted blanket or anything, heard of them but never really sure what they were used for.

Will look into them, not sure about a doggie as Luke hates cuddly toys depending on the material.

Mel x