OT at home?

[Anonymous]

DC is mildly delayed in both gross and fine motor skills. Handwriting, stentance structure (he can't write a sentence that is legible) and upper body strength in particular need attention. Issues with body awareness and balance are improving with sports but need attention as well. I have read mixed reviews on this forum about OT/PT therapy and I would welcome input and suggestions from parents who are/were in a similar situation. DS is finishing up first grade, I'm concerned he will struggle in second and third without some intervention now. We have only been working on things at home for about one month. He is excited about the "games" we play at home daily for 30 minuets, complains about the hand writing practice we do every other day but overall is receptive to the "therapy" we do at home. So my questions are 1) other than an evaluation is hiring a OT/PT necessary (maybe we could afford once a week therapy) or should we just continue at home and 2) can you suggest some resources (books, websites) that I can use to help scheduled our at home "therapy" sessions most effectively. I guess what I really want to know is, is there something a therapist would do with my child that i can't achieve/do?

[Anonymous]

OP,

This website has some good ideas:
http://therapystreetforkids.com

However, if you haven't already, I would encourage you to have your kid evaluated by a developmental pediatrician or neuropsych evaluation. Things like dysgraphia (now listed in the DSM as Disorder of Written Expression) can affect more than just the physical but can impact executive functioning skills.

Also, we've had wonderful experiences with OTs and have greatly appreciated their expertise when it comes to proper positioning for handwriting. Keep in mind that kids need physical breaks, so handwriting practice needs to come in short sessions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is mildly delayed in both gross and fine motor skills. Handwriting, stentance structure (he can't write a sentence that is legible) and upper body strength in particular need attention. Issues with body awareness and balance are improving with sports but need attention as well. I have read mixed reviews on this forum about OT/PT therapy and I would welcome input and suggestions from parents who are/were in a similar situation. DS is finishing up first grade, I'm concerned he will struggle in second and third without some intervention now. We have only been working on things at home for about one month. He is excited about the "games" we play at home daily for 30 minuets, complains about the hand writing practice we do every other day but overall is receptive to the "therapy" we do at home. So my questions are 1) other than an evaluation is hiring a OT/PT necessary (maybe we could afford once a week therapy) or should we just continue at home and 2) can you suggest some resources (books, websites) that I can use to help scheduled our at home "therapy" sessions most effectively. I guess what I really want to know is, is there something a therapist would do with my child that i can't achieve/do?

I've been through OT with 3 kids. Based on your description, I think your son would benefit. You can make an appt for an eval and hear what the therapist has to say. Some will consult on a home program but your son might make faster progress in OT sessions. Personally, I found our OT to be life changing and couldn't achieve the same results at home. I have a room packed to the brim with all sorts of OT stuff (tongs, snap beads, grips, scooters, special pencils, etc) but the therapist was able to help us determine which tools were useful and how to maximize them. And she made it tons of fun.

[Anonymous]

Think your son would benefit from OT, martial arts, and swimming. This combo has really helped my son.