After going through the grueling evaluation process for both girls, we have finally started the process of therapy. Today was Katie's first Occupational Therapy (OT) appointment. I have to say it was a breath of fresh air after the evaluations!
Now keep in mind that any of the recommendations from the therapist that I mention below are specific for Katie. They may not be appropriate for your child.
We started off learning about deep massage, joint compressions, and movement. She wants us to do these every 2 hours and before anything that might be stressful or before eating/sleeping. These different things will help release chemicals into the brain that Katie needs to be more aware of her body as she moves. Right now, she is running into things, tripping over things, and falling so much. We are concerned for her safety!
We are also going to work on creating obstacle courses and get a special brush and sleeping CD from the therapist.
She explained why Katie pushes other kids. It is her need for certain chemicals in her brain. When her senses get overwhelmed, her brain needs more of the chemicals to calm her down. The deep pressure of pushing other kids or falling, help her to get those chemicals. So we now need to find other ways to give that to her when we see that she is overwhelmed and starts pushing. It makes me understand that she isn't pushing as a behavioral problem. She is just trying to fulfill a need. As we work with her, she will probably push less and less. I know that it helps me to be a lot more patient with her!
Of course, this is just the beginning of many sessions for Katie. However, I'm hoping it is the beginning of healing for her. I pray everyday that God helps us find the resources and help to give Katie the best future possible. And as we search for these, we will fill her life with love - truly the best medicine of all.
Ginny,
ReplyDeleteI believe in Sensory Processing techniques too much! I'm excited for Katie that she is now getting what she needs. I have a 16 yo nephew who had SPD when a baby and I tried to teach my sister and brother in law many of the techniques that you are using for Katie and they thought it was too weird to carryout. Now at 16 yo he continues to have sensory processing issues and now wants to study OT in college to help teenage boys with this problem. Let me know if I can be of assistance to you. So thankful for you and your sweet girl! Keep me posted on how she improves. Blessings to you and her! :) Brenda Gross (not sure how to post using a profile:))
Brenda - THanks so much! We are off to a good start. Katie was already a lot calmer before heading to bed. Hopefully, we will continue to see her find peace and calm as we continue to work with her.
ReplyDeleteGinny, Our youngest needed OT also for sensory processing and fine motor skills. We went to Children's Institute. I also read a book called "The Out of Sync Child". Gave us some good information on why she would also do certain things. After 6 months we had the knowledge and she didn't need to go anymore. She couldn't calm herself down and you will get a list of things that do that. One of the funniest to me was jumping on a mini trampoline. We have one in our game room for her to go jump on. You will learn a lot in the next few weeks and will see a difference soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! I am going to try to get that book. I'm now regretting getting rid of our mini trampoline! That would be great for our obstacle courses that we create for her.
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