Common Issues
The children have fun in OT sessions to facilitate learning. Teachers and parents are encouraged to assist in defining realistic therapy goals.
Sue communicates with parents and teachers each week by email and may invite teachers to give support to the therapy programs. Parents are encouraged to support their child with OT homework if appropriate.
When required there is communication with other service providers also involved in the care of students.
Issues may include:
- Handwriting & fine motor skill difficulties
- Inadequate seating posture - desk & floor time
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Learning & attention challenges
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Planning & organisational difficulties
- Social & behavioural difficulties
- Self care difficulties
- Some examples of OT Intervention:
- Introduction of graduated handwriting programs that may include use of hand exercises, coloured dotted third workbooks, specialist pencils and pencil grips.
- Consider developing keyboarding skills with appropriate programs e.g voice to text, touch typing
- Trial of specialist equipment e.g. wedge cushions, slope boards, and ergonomic chairs to address posture
- Providing scissor skills programs
- Modifying seating e.g. ergonomic chairs
- Trial of visual cue cards, stickers, carrels, ear muffs, timers, modified seating, may be used to address attention & or sensory issues
- Writing social stories to address specific behavioural issues
- Establishing programs to develop greater independence in self care (e.g. dressing, toileting, bathing, eating etc)
