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Why does it really matter? A question I am constantly being asked as an Occupational Therapist by concerned parents for a good reason!
Pencil grip isn’t just about being able to hold a pencil in the correct way for writing, it sets up posture, core strength and muscle tone. An incorrect pencil grip can lead to learning difficulties, pain and other issues.
With the end of the holidays coming upon us as parents, we are all looking forward to our children returning to school and the return of a routine. Don’t get me wrong I love the holidays and having an extended break with my children, but I am happy to return to that dreaded routine by Australia day.
What is outdoor play? Outdoor play is defined simply as “play activities that occur outside of a building”.
Many of you may be ready to start travelling to see family and friends over the Christmas/New Year period.
Christmas…. a time for giving, celebration and of course Santa. Its also a time for spending time with friends and family!!
Whilst visiting friends and relatives and attending parties and social gathering can be fun, it can be stressful and anxiety provoking for children with autism, disabilities, sensory or attentional difficulties. Not knowing what to expect at these gatherings, who will be there, bumping into people, being asked for hugs and loud noises, music and crowds are all things that might cause a child with any of the above difficulties to go into meltdown.
The overlap of symptoms between different disorders can be confusing for parents, and at times therapists!!!. When understanding the complexity of this it is important to realise that different therapists receive training in different areas.
A number of medications are used for the management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in conjunction with therapeutic intervention. Medications have been proven to have effects on irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviours associated with ASD, however, they may also have associated adverse effects and are recommended to be prescribed only when a severe impairment or risk of injury is present.
I have decided to write this weeks blog on something a little close to home. Sleep problems, after my 6 year old has started waking at night with night time fears. Many parents can recant stories and situations of sleep deprivation, especially in the first 12 months of their child’s life. However for some parents it goes beyond this. Children can experience sleep disturbances for many reasons. Difficulty falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep are the most common and most frustrating sleep problems in children. Some are considered “normal” developmental stages that children experience such as fears of the dark and nightmares. For other children there can be other reasons.
Does your child becomes upset and will not touch objects such as sand or dirt, or do they become upset with tags on their clothing rubbing against their skin?
This often requires the parent or carer to avoid certain routines or activities or objects in order to manage the child distress over these sensory experiences.
