With the initial diagnosis of cerebral palsy we knew we had occupational therapy in our future. I have heard this term, but it seems like no one really knew exactly what it was. My thought was that it was therapy for her occupation of being a toddler. . . feeding herself and playing. While this isn't the definition, it is pretty accurate. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills for arms and hands. It can overlap physical therapy a little bit and definitely in regards to abdominal core strength.
We went to Cecilia's appointment with an extra adult. I really recommend this if you have someone that can come with you. This allowed us, as parents, to listen, take in as much as we could and ask questions. The third person was my Dad. He took notes the during the appointment. Looking back over the notes is incredibly helpful. We are lucky because my Dad is the best and most thorough person I can think of for this job.
We learned a lot with this appointment. We thought we would be taking Cecilia to OT once a week, but the best part of this appointment is that we don't have to go again for a year! The therapist did say that if we had any concerns about her development we could return in six months.
Here are some of the extensive notes that my Dad took along with some of my thoughts. I will keep my Dad's notes in bold
-observed C walking around and playing - she kept her right arm flexed
The therapist mentioned this was probably to help her balance. Working on her core strength could help this.
- asked C to color; C did not color much
We haven't done much coloring at home because the crayons end up in her mouth very quickly.
- tested her with a puzzle
She was not very interest in this either.
- She was good at stacking small blocks and had them 4 - 5 high
- clapping - left hand moved to the right hand
We have always noticed that she has clapped this way.
- small plastic bottle with lid
- C held the bottle with her right hand and used her left hand to pick up the beans and place them in the bottle.
- therapist placed C on a long, rectangular swing to check her balance - good trunk control
- therapist placed C on a large exercise ball which is good for trunk control
Suggestions
- encourage C to use her right hand
- present items to her on the right side
- 3x/day: try to have her use her right hand for 5 minutes
- bubbles are good exercise for her right hand
- encourage supination with right hand
This is the position when the palm faces up.
- Therapist completed Peabody Developmental Motor Scales
This gives a qualitative and quantitative point of reference for gross and fine motor development from birth to age five.
- C - grasping ability - 20 months
visual motor skills - 16 months
C is currently 18 months old. In my Dad's opinion he thought she could have tested better with her eye hand coordination. She was a little distracted. I, of course, agree with him.
-cerebral palsy is not affecting/impacting her fine motor skills
-her trunk muscles are good: continue to work on them.
The therapist is going to send a report to us, but I feel like my Dad covered everything.
All good news for us!
