What can an OT do for a 9yr old?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
What can an OT do for a 9yr old?
2
Thu, 04-10-2008 - 8:36pm

As part of the original dx over a year ago we were referred to occupational therapy, and told it was a 2 year wait so I forgot about it. As we've moved house and regions we now qualify for faster intervention, and I've just had a note saying we will get an OT appt in a few weeks time.

What can an OT do for a 9 year old who hasn't had any previous OT input? We know that he is has hypermobile joints, some low muscle tone and consequently has problems writing, and that he has problems with chewing some textures and mouthing things. He's not yet been tested for sensory integration issues - is this something an OT would do? I suspect he does have problems in that area (he gets sensory overloaded a lot, it takes us ages to get out of the house if his socks have a seam in them, and we have real problems in swimming pools, cinemas and theatres with him adjusting to the sound levels)

Other than this I haven't a clue what we should expect from an OT, or what they will realistically be able to offer a 9 year old. I suspect it's too late for anything to be any help for him, am I being too pessimistic. Any pointers or suggestions for how I should prepare and what I should highlight? thanks

Kirsty mum to Euan (9, Asperger's) Rohan (5, NT) and Maeve (2, NT)
PS my username is actually euansmum but for some reason when I log on at home it reverts to my old ivillage nickname and I can't figure out how to change it at 1.30am, sorry!!
PPS I am online at 1.30am because I am single-parenting today because DH is away for work and I had to catch up on some work....argh!!! I will be so in need of caffeine tomorrow!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Thu, 04-10-2008 - 9:12pm

Kirsty,

To answer your question. A lot!!! Especially if he is oral. An OT will absolutely look at sensory issues. With us it was a sensory questionnaire that I filled out and some observation by the OT. Even at age 9 there is a great deal that can help Euan.

Write down your observations (pencil grip, writing issues, chewing etc). Obviously the earlier you get the OT help the better, but I firmly believe it is never too late for any therapy that helps our kids.

(btw: my best friend growing up in Ireland was Ewan (with a w) and yes, I now believe he was un-dx Aspie, also had a seizure disorder,and brilliant at maths and loved trains).

Dee (I'll wave at you from the beach in my hometown when I fly home this weekend, lol)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 04-11-2008 - 9:07am

well, one thing an OT will do will evaluate Euan and tell you if he needs a PT eval. He may need PT to improve muscle strength and learn how to use his joints without damaging them. hypermobile people need to learn to stand with legs straight -which feels bent to us, and how to push buttons and lean on our arms without damaging the joints in fingers, hands wrists and elbows.

If Euan qualifies for OT, they can still work on sensory stuff. Even an adult who never received OT can benefit from sensory interventions (first hand experience speaking here): weighted or compression vests, heavy work, fine motor work and maybe even some brushing. The OT may be able to teach him some tricks for knowing when he is getting overwhelmed asnd how to self-regulate.

Or maybe an OT can do nothing! But you don't know until you try. I think you should go for it. what does Euan have to lose except maybe an hour out of his week?

-Paula

-Paula


visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com