Getting OT! Uhm, now what?!

[Mipsy]

We've been waiting for OT for Ty since he was 2. He'll be 4 in May. There was finally an opening with a company and we got a slot!

They asked what we wanted to work on and all I could think of off the top was his writing. I know there's more but it's been so long I have forgotten what all OT helps with!! Help me please before we see the therapist so I have a list of stuff? I greatly appreciate it.



Also pardon my absence. Been dealing with GI issues and uncontrolled seizures with Ty. We've spent about every weekend in the ER.

[sayres]

I don't know where Ty is in his development but Tim has been receiving O/T both in school and privately since last year. Many of his IEP goals don't have anything to do with writing. I don't know if these would be applicable but here are some ideas:
- demonstrate equilibrium reactions on the therapy ball for 1 minute with eyes closed without signs of fear.
-propel a scooter board for 15 feet using arms symmetrically to push.
-cut out simple shapes with a straight side (square, triangle) along a 1/2" path, going outside the space 5 times or less. ( demonstrating bilateral control).
-tap a balloon 5 times consecutively in the air (eye-motor).

Hope this helps.

[poshkat]

first i hope TY feels better soon!!

i have to admit, aiden has been in speech and ot for almost 3 years now and i completly forgot what OT was for until i got his new papers a few weeks back.

they taught him how to handle pencils, scissors and stuff like that, also they worked on his walking and sitting cris cross instead of the W position and working on hand/eye coordination.

now they are mostly working on writing and cutting.

[willysmama]

Willy has things like pick things up and put in bucket, writing, cutting, grasp and hold objects for a set amount of time, dresssing himself, weight bearing on all fours to build muscles,etc

[marklorna]

Feeding, dressing, buttons, snaps, opening doors, holding small objects, working on opening and closing hands, control of fingers and thumbs, inserting a key into a lock.

[oregonbossfan]

Your OT should probably do an initial evaluation-that will look at your child's overall developmental, and gross/fine motor skills.  They will probably have you complete an evaluation-that will ask lots of questions regarding child's development.  If you have current evaluation from the school district-ESD or any private evaluations-Developmental Ped, Speech, etc.  I would bring along copies of them to give to the OT during the first session.  They can help you to develop specific goals that you would like to work on with your little one.  Once you get started-you can always add goals or change them depending on the needs of your child as the continue to develop.