Pediatric Occupational Therapy Screening
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Anonymous
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Our 1st grader's school is holding a volunteer screening for kids at his school and his teacher has recommended this screening for him. She did not go into detail about some of the developmental concerns he may have but I have some ideas. He has trouble paying attention and following instructions. His K report card reflected those issues. He is an active, energetic, kind, and sociable which is all basically normal for his age (6yr old) but what this screening apparently will do is if the behaviors start to interfere with learning and participation in daily life, intervention can be helpful.
Is anyone familiar with this screening? I'm wondering if the 1st grade teacher should have talked to us first of any behavioral concerns instead of going through this therapy screening. I feel like if this was such a concern for her she should've have spoken with us unless this will provide a better/effective way through this service. If the screening does determine he may need intervention I'm not sure what kind of recommendations it will offer. Oh by the way, he goes to a private school. |
Anonymous
| Skip it and do one privately if you are concerned. Its a company they bring in and probably get a kickback from, so I'd be weary of anything they have to say. I wouldn't do OT for attention issues. |
Anonymous
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Our private school did that. But my son was referred because of fine motor skill issues (handwriting). The place that did the screening was good, and helpful. I think it was $25. But they don't insurance. I took him to Pediatric Development Center instead, for six months of therapy. They helped with printing, composing an essay, some executive functioning skills, and some social skills.
Overall it was helpful. But I'd really want to understand "why" the teacher thinks he needs it first. I don't think just being 6 and active, not sitting still, is in itself worrisome. |
Anonymous
| Occupational therapists are specialists in fine motor skills and self-care. They should not be making all kinds of behavior observations. If you have a concern you can call early intervention for a free evaluation. |
Anonymous
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OP here, the teacher did email us earlier saying something about sensory motor skills which might relate to chewing on pencils in class or chewing on his clothing at times which I don't think is too worrisome, it probably has to do with being figgity for having to stay still for length of time in a structured environment.
We have trust in his teacher but I think I will need to followup with her. |
Anonymous
Sensory processing disorder. SPD. Your son sounds like he has it - sensory (oral) seeking. Kids often show mild anxiety, disruptive, and sometimes clumsy. An OT is the perfect person for this however, I recommend looking it up yourself and getting more info. Little things can make a big difference. Many kids with SPD go on to have mild to severe anxiety or depression. So please look into it. http://spdlife.org/symptoms/general.html |
Anonymous
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More info about your child can't hurt. I'd get the screening, although remembering don't have to follow through with therapy there or at all. Take it with a grain of salt, the reason they may come to schools is to cultivate clients.
My DC had OT that we started due to behavioral issues. I didn't really know what the problem was and didn't get good advice from anyone. The OT was the first one who listened to me and really helped us - mostly they worked on regulation type issues (like "How does your engine run.") Ultimately, the issue was anxiety, but it was unclear at that age and OT really helped both of us. |
Anonymous
| OP, many kids who get that evaluation are said to have "sensory issues." Its not a real diagnosis but an OT term. We went to an OT and it was a waste of time except for how to hold a pencil. He just played games, jump on a mini trampoline, etc. |
Anonymous
THIS. Well said. |
Anonymous
All for only $175/hour. I'd consult with the child's pediatrician as to the necessity of anything like this. |
Anonymous
I am the PP from earlier. SPD is a very real thing. The reason it is not a diagnosis is because many believe it stems from ADHD or kids on the spectrum, like a side effect only. But many kids do not have those disorders and have mild SPD that can be treated with the right techniques and that is why I recommended she look it up herself. I had two OT evals and that is all I needed. They recommend therapy and I refused. I looked up everything they did, books to get, stimulating toys and things to help with fidgeting and chewing. This all happened at age 4 and now at age 7, she is so much better for it. She still has her sensory issues here and there and some mild anxiety but we know it, are aware of it, and help her when needed. Blowing off SPD as nothing is not what the OP needs. |
chitz
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Depending on where you are located there are several places that take insurance to cover private OT. Don't think you have to pay 175 dollars an hour!
Together in Movement in Maryland Execeptional Childrens Center in Virginia |