Re: fine motor - writing -horizontal/vertical

[Guest guest]

Hi my cyber friends,

I just came back fresh from my IEP meeting about Rochelle. There were a few

issues we need to go back to the table with and I need your advice.

For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this question

is for you all. Rochelle requires OT services and gets about 1 hour a week. I

want her to have cutting and writing daily even though the team does not

think she is developmentally ready for it. They are doing other things to get

to this level but don't want to push her in this area since it would be hand

over hand. I will add that she may be non-compliant. It has been on her IEP

for 1/2 a year and not worked on. Rochelle is hyper sensitive in her hands

and I just want them to have her work on it for even 10 seconds to acclimate

her to the process. Work on longer times and reward her for her efforts.

The OT thinks this will turn her off writing and will make it worse when she

gets older. I am sure for some kids this has happened and it is a fine line

on how much to push the child.

If it were up to Rochelle she would never pick up a crayon or chalk unless

she wants to chew on it. Her grasp is immature but that did not stop me from

teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon. We are progressing but not

there yet. She no longer throws the utensil and will scoop repeatedly.

There is no right or wrong answer but I asked them when they thought she

would be ready and they said, we don't know that. Neither do I. Have any of

you had success in this area or failure. I know there are a lot of DS kids

who love to write/color/cut but Rochelle isn't one of them.

They also gave me a surprise with the Physical Therapy. The PT was not there

but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle functioned fine and didn't

need her services. I just fought this battle 6 months ago at eligibility and

won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label she is trying to take

this away again. I've called the Sped director but I am tired of them saying

only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk independently need PT.

Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This particular PT may not be

that good but she may get a better PT next time that will truly work with

her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought they

were inappopriate.

Diane (mom to Rochelle 5 1/2 and Danny 7)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 5:14:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,

outerspace@... writes:

> First, I would use the " parent attachment " to document the situation.

> Is there a way that Rochelles doc can write a prescription for pt??

>

Thanks Kathy, I already had a doctors perscription in March of 2000. I think

I will stick to my guns with this. I will use the info you provided. I just

hate having to continue to fight for services that should be a given.

Rochelle's potential to achieve these goals will happen. I would like to make

it happen sooner with help from PT. I also know other children with lesser

gross motor problems getting Physical therapy. It is so subjective. I have

already called the Director of Sped and waiting for call back.

Diane

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I think they just want to wait.

Diane

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane

First, I would use the " parent attachment " to document the situation.

Is there a way that Rochelles doc can write a prescription for pt??

<<<

Physical Therapy is provided to a child or youth with a disability following

referral from a physician and, in some states, from school nurses, teachers,

occupational therapists, and other professionals. Physical therapists:

-- provide treatment to increase muscle strength, mobility, and endurance;

-- focus on gross motor skills that rely on the large muscles of the body

involved in physical movement and range of motion;

-- help to improve the student's posture, gait, and body awareness; and

-- monitor the function, fit, and proper use of mobility aids and devices.

In relation to special education, physical therapists are primarily concerned

with developing and enhancing the physical potential of students with

disabilities, so that they can achieve maximum independence and function in all

their educational activities>>>

to be continued. . .

Kathy

Re: fine motor - writing -horizontal/vertical

Hi my cyber friends,

I just came back fresh from my IEP meeting about Rochelle. There were a few

issues we need to go back to the table with and I need your advice.

For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this question

is for you all. Rochelle requires OT services and gets about 1 hour a week. I

want her to have cutting and writing daily even though the team does not

think she is developmentally ready for it. They are doing other things to get

to this level but don't want to push her in this area since it would be hand

over hand. I will add that she may be non-compliant. It has been on her IEP

for 1/2 a year and not worked on. Rochelle is hyper sensitive in her hands

and I just want them to have her work on it for even 10 seconds to acclimate

her to the process. Work on longer times and reward her for her efforts.

The OT thinks this will turn her off writing and will make it worse when she

gets older. I am sure for some kids this has happened and it is a fine line

on how much to push the child.

If it were up to Rochelle she would never pick up a crayon or chalk unless

she wants to chew on it. Her grasp is immature but that did not stop me from

teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon. We are progressing but not

there yet. She no longer throws the utensil and will scoop repeatedly.

There is no right or wrong answer but I asked them when they thought she

would be ready and they said, we don't know that. Neither do I. Have any of

you had success in this area or failure. I know there are a lot of DS kids

who love to write/color/cut but Rochelle isn't one of them.

They also gave me a surprise with the Physical Therapy. The PT was not there

but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle functioned fine and didn't

need her services. I just fought this battle 6 months ago at eligibility and

won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label she is trying to take

this away again. I've called the Sped director but I am tired of them saying

only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk independently need PT.

Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This particular PT may not be

that good but she may get a better PT next time that will truly work with

her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought they

were inappopriate.

Diane (mom to Rochelle 5 1/2 and Danny 7)

[Guest guest]

I think all kids need to have writting, etc. in their

daily school life. It's important it develps so much

when they use writting- and I don't think that it

should be taken away in any case. I hope that they or

you can figure out a way on getting the writting into

her school life. . no matter how hard you try. Don't

give up.

--- dben937342@... wrote:

> Hi my cyber friends,

>

> I just came back fresh from my IEP meeting about

> Rochelle. There were a few

> issues we need to go back to the table with and I

> need your advice.

>

> For those of you who have children that don't like

> to write/cut this question

> is for you all. Rochelle requires OT services and

> gets about 1 hour a week. I

> want her to have cutting and writing daily even

> though the team does not

> think she is developmentally ready for it. They are

> doing other things to get

> to this level but don't want to push her in this

> area since it would be hand

> over hand. I will add that she may be non-compliant.

> It has been on her IEP

> for 1/2 a year and not worked on. Rochelle is hyper

> sensitive in her hands

> and I just want them to have her work on it for even

> 10 seconds to acclimate

> her to the process. Work on longer times and reward

> her for her efforts.

>

> The OT thinks this will turn her off writing and

> will make it worse when she

> gets older. I am sure for some kids this has

> happened and it is a fine line

> on how much to push the child.

>

> If it were up to Rochelle she would never pick up a

> crayon or chalk unless

> she wants to chew on it. Her grasp is immature but

> that did not stop me from

> teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon. We

> are progressing but not

> there yet. She no longer throws the utensil and will

> scoop repeatedly.

>

> There is no right or wrong answer but I asked them

> when they thought she

> would be ready and they said, we don't know that.

> Neither do I. Have any of

> you had success in this area or failure. I know

> there are a lot of DS kids

> who love to write/color/cut but Rochelle isn't one

> of them.

>

> They also gave me a surprise with the Physical

> Therapy. The PT was not there

> but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle

> functioned fine and didn't

> need her services. I just fought this battle 6

> months ago at eligibility and

> won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label

> she is trying to take

> this away again. I've called the Sped director but I

> am tired of them saying

> only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk

> independently need PT.

> Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This

> particular PT may not be

> that good but she may get a better PT next time that

> will truly work with

> her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down

> stairs, running, jumping

> etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on

> because the PT thought they

> were inappopriate.

> Diane (mom to Rochelle 5 1/2 and Danny 7)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

your welcome, I didn't know that I was any help

--- dben937342@... wrote:

> Thanks, . I think they just want to wait.

> Diane

>

>

[Guest guest]

your welcome, I didn't know that I was any help

--- dben937342@... wrote:

> Thanks, . I think they just want to wait.

> Diane

>

>

[Guest guest]

my naty guy is like your rochelle, wont color, write etc. he is 10yrs now and

just now starting to be able to write his first name sort of legibly, but he can

type pecking very well, i would start implementing these type of things such as

rubber stamp for names and words, keyboarding, intellikeys, and continue a short

block of handwriting/cutting OT stuff dly, this way she isnt held back just

cause she cant write. shawna.

Re: fine motor - writing -horizontal/vertical

Hi my cyber friends,

I just came back fresh from my IEP meeting about Rochelle. There were a few

issues we need to go back to the table with and I need your advice.

For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this question

is for you all. Rochelle requires OT services and gets about 1 hour a week. I

want her to have cutting and writing daily even though the team does not

think she is developmentally ready for it. They are doing other things to get

to this level but don't want to push her in this area since it would be hand

over hand. I will add that she may be non-compliant. It has been on her IEP

for 1/2 a year and not worked on. Rochelle is hyper sensitive in her hands

and I just want them to have her work on it for even 10 seconds to acclimate

her to the process. Work on longer times and reward her for her efforts.

The OT thinks this will turn her off writing and will make it worse when she

gets older. I am sure for some kids this has happened and it is a fine line

on how much to push the child.

If it were up to Rochelle she would never pick up a crayon or chalk unless

she wants to chew on it. Her grasp is immature but that did not stop me from

teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon. We are progressing but not

there yet. She no longer throws the utensil and will scoop repeatedly.

There is no right or wrong answer but I asked them when they thought she

would be ready and they said, we don't know that. Neither do I. Have any of

you had success in this area or failure. I know there are a lot of DS kids

who love to write/color/cut but Rochelle isn't one of them.

They also gave me a surprise with the Physical Therapy. The PT was not there

but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle functioned fine and didn't

need her services. I just fought this battle 6 months ago at eligibility and

won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label she is trying to take

this away again. I've called the Sped director but I am tired of them saying

only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk independently need PT.

Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This particular PT may not be

that good but she may get a better PT next time that will truly work with

her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought they

were inappopriate.

Diane (mom to Rochelle 5 1/2 and Danny 7)

[Guest guest]

my naty guy is like your rochelle, wont color, write etc. he is 10yrs now and

just now starting to be able to write his first name sort of legibly, but he can

type pecking very well, i would start implementing these type of things such as

rubber stamp for names and words, keyboarding, intellikeys, and continue a short

block of handwriting/cutting OT stuff dly, this way she isnt held back just

cause she cant write. shawna.

Re: fine motor - writing -horizontal/vertical

Hi my cyber friends,

I just came back fresh from my IEP meeting about Rochelle. There were a few

issues we need to go back to the table with and I need your advice.

For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this question

is for you all. Rochelle requires OT services and gets about 1 hour a week. I

want her to have cutting and writing daily even though the team does not

think she is developmentally ready for it. They are doing other things to get

to this level but don't want to push her in this area since it would be hand

over hand. I will add that she may be non-compliant. It has been on her IEP

for 1/2 a year and not worked on. Rochelle is hyper sensitive in her hands

and I just want them to have her work on it for even 10 seconds to acclimate

her to the process. Work on longer times and reward her for her efforts.

The OT thinks this will turn her off writing and will make it worse when she

gets older. I am sure for some kids this has happened and it is a fine line

on how much to push the child.

If it were up to Rochelle she would never pick up a crayon or chalk unless

she wants to chew on it. Her grasp is immature but that did not stop me from

teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon. We are progressing but not

there yet. She no longer throws the utensil and will scoop repeatedly.

There is no right or wrong answer but I asked them when they thought she

would be ready and they said, we don't know that. Neither do I. Have any of

you had success in this area or failure. I know there are a lot of DS kids

who love to write/color/cut but Rochelle isn't one of them.

They also gave me a surprise with the Physical Therapy. The PT was not there

but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle functioned fine and didn't

need her services. I just fought this battle 6 months ago at eligibility and

won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label she is trying to take

this away again. I've called the Sped director but I am tired of them saying

only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk independently need PT.

Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This particular PT may not be

that good but she may get a better PT next time that will truly work with

her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought they

were inappopriate.

Diane (mom to Rochelle 5 1/2 and Danny 7)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 11:11:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,

greenpak@... writes:

> i would start implementing these type of things such as rubber stamp for

> names and words, keyboarding, intellikeys, and continue a short block of

> handwriting/cutting OT stuff dly, this way she isnt held back just cause

> she cant write. shawna.

>

a, What are intellikeys? Thanks for the imput.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 11:11:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,

greenpak@... writes:

> i would start implementing these type of things such as rubber stamp for

> names and words, keyboarding, intellikeys, and continue a short block of

> handwriting/cutting OT stuff dly, this way she isnt held back just cause

> she cant write. shawna.

>

a, What are intellikeys? Thanks for the imput.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/2002 11:12:06 PM Eastern Standard Time,

greenpak@... writes:

> They also gave me a surprise with the Physical Therapy. The PT was not there

>

> but wrote a statement that she thought Rochelle functioned fine and

> didn't

> need her services. I just fought this battle 6 months ago at eligibility

> and

> won but because Rochelle got a new eligibility label she is trying to

> take

> this away again. I've called the Sped director but I am tired of them

> saying

> only kids with physical disabilities who can't walk independently need

> PT.

> Medical vs Theraputic model blah blah blah. This particular PT may not be

>

> that good but she may get a better PT next time that will truly work with

>

> her. Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running,

> jumping

> etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought

> they

> were inappopriate.

>

We had the same problem with Trisha, they said she didn't need PT because she

could get around the school, even though sometimes she had some problems.

What I did was request that they put her on as a consult once a month for 15

mins. Well at the next IEP meeting the PT announced that she was spending

more time with Trisha as she felt Trisha needed more work so now we have PT

once a week for 1/2 hour. I don't know if it will work for you but you might

want to suggest consultative pt for awhile. We have a new IEP meeting

scheduled this coming Tues. so we will see how the PT has been doing. I know

they say Trisha won't cooperate in PE, but they don't know why. I am still

fighting for a one-on-one aid, I have had Trisha observed several times with

the autism program in her class and both the consultants and I agree that she

would benefit from a one on one aid. Even though Trisha is making progress

this year, slow but sure, we feel that because she is so far behind that an

aid could help work with her when the teacher is working with the other

students instead of just letting her play. The autism consultant said that

if she had an aid that they could teach her to work more independantly

instead of having so much free time. The consultant said that Trisha needs

structured activities constantly. The school says because the class only has

3 kids they don't feel an aid is needed for Trisha, they only have an aid

part time for her class and she spends most of that time working in the

cafeteria. The consultant said we weren't concerned about how big the class

was, we were concerned about Trisha's needs. So if anyone has any input

that could help me make a case for a one on one aid please let me know.

Trisha is the only one in her class that is non-verbal, can't read, can't

write and will wander off if given half a chance.

THanks,

Carol aka Trishasmom

She isn't Typical, She's Trisha!

<A HREF= " http://hometown.aol.com/csvillars/trishapage.htm " >Trisha's Pooh

Page</A>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 7:37:28 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Csvillars@... writes:

> . I am still

> fighting for a one-on-one aid, I have had Trisha observed several times

> with

> the autism program in her class and both the consultants and I agree that

> she

> would benefit from a one on one aid. Even though Trisha is making progress

>

> this year, slow but sure, we feel that because she is so far behind that an

>

> aid could help work with her when the teacher is working with the other

> students instead of just letting her play. The autism consultant said that

>

> if she had an aid that they could teach her to work more independantly

> instead of having so much free time. The consultant said that Trisha needs

>

> structured activities constantly.

Wow, Trisha seems just like Rochelle. I feel Rochelle has to much play time

too. The teacher can't possibly be with our kids full-time because of the

other kids needs. I feel the same way about Rochelle's needs not being met

because the school just doesn't do that. (have one-on-one aid in

self-contained class) I hope you get some answers.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/2002 4:06:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

> . Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

> etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought

> they

> were inappopriate.

>

Hi Diane,

If the PT thought the goals were inappropriate then it was up to her to call

a PPT to discuss this but as long as they are on her IEP they are law and

must be addressed. I would be a fireball. As far as the fine motor,I honestly

don't have any answers. I know that Zeb does not write,cut etc. We have been

working on this forever and I am so frustrated that I could spit. I just had

a private OT eval done and his fine motor is 34-38 mos. I really don't think

there has been any improvement since kindergarten. The OT in this district is

so ineffective but also I haven't come up with any magic solution either. I

work on these things everyday at home. I certainly share your frustration. My

question would be what if they are never developmentally ready. The fine

motor stays at what it is or what? I was told that once a child with MR

reaches about 12 they reach their potential on gross and fine motor skills. I

am not sure how true this is but time is running out for us in this area.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 4:06:34 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

> Rochelle is hyper sensitive in her hands

Diane,

Have you tried a brushing program on Rochelle's hands? That would

probably help with the hyper-sensitivity. You need a skilled OT to show you

how to do it right. Every finger should be done individually, as well as

the palm.

<<Rochelle is not independently walking up/down stairs, running, jumping

etc...and her IEP goals were not being worked on because the PT thought they

were inappopriate.>>

Diane, Maddie has not qualified for PT since she was two. But she's been

jumping, walking up/down steps since then. And she skips well too.

Seems to me that writing in these goals SHOULD guarantee you some PT for her.

Push it if you can.

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 6:43:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

> Thanks Kathy, I already had a doctors perscription in March of 2000. I think

> I will stick to my guns with this.

Diane,

Just check first to make sure that your insurance does not have a cap.

Sometimes insurance companies do and you can risk using up your quota. Then

if something were to happen to another family member, you would not be able

to get services.

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 11:28:10 AM Eastern Standard Time,

charlyne1121@... writes:

> My

> question would be what if they are never developmentally ready. The fine

> motor stays at what it is or what? I was told that once a child with MR

> reaches about 12 they reach their potential on gross and fine motor skills.

> I

> am not sure how true this is but time is running out for us in this area.

> Charlyne

> Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

>

>

>

They asked me why I wanted Rochelle to practice drawing lines. Really now.

What kind of question is that? I said, " So she can write her name " Duh....

I would keep working on it Charlyne. Rochelle's brother does not like to

write either. But we make him do it. He is learning to type which helps

frustration. But we still make him write.

I hope there is not a magic age where you can't teach them. I for one don't

believe there is but it is probably easier to influence them when their

younger.

What do you think of a wiping the nose goal? This is one the school district

came up with. Said it was a social goal. Kids won't hang out with her if she

has a runny nose. Like Rochelle cares if other kids pay attention to her? She

totally ignores all the kids who try to say hi and interact with her and they

keep trying. They said, she doesn't like for them to wipe it. I felt like

telling them to just leave her nose alone. But, I know they think it is

unhygenic yet they never clean the toys the kids all drool on. Oh, and they

forget to wash their hands before eating sometimes. And the washing hands

goal has not been worked on even though it was on the IEP.

Well, I said, wiping the nose was not a goal I wanted on the IEP and that

they can work on it anyway if they want to. Rochelle can't even blow her nose

yet. And, she can wipe her nose if you give her the tissue but she usually

misses. I let them keep the nose goal but I think I'll get rid of that one in

a few weeks.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 1:05:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, duffey48@...

writes:

> probably help with the hyper-sensitivity. You need a skilled OT to show

> you

> how to do it right. Every finger should be done individually, as well as

> the palm.

>

>

I have the brushes and will ask OT about this. ( the surgical scrub brushes?)

Thanks for the idea. Maddie is way more coordinated then Rochelle. I could

tell by your comments about playing ball. She is even better than my 8 yr old

son.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 5:10:52 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

> I have the brushes and will ask OT about this. ( the surgical scrub brushes?)

> Thanks for the idea. Maddie is way more coordinated then Rochelle. I could

> tell by your comments about playing ball. She is even better than my 8 yr

> old

> son.

> Diane

>

Yes, but there are various kinds of brushes. Certain hairbrushes are good

to use on the palms of the hands. You can look at them in the sensory

catalogs.

Yes, Maddie is VERY coordinated. She's better at dribbling a ball than

almost any kid her age I have ever come across. However, cognitively, she

is years behind even most of the kids on this list. But this just goes to

show you that we all have our strengths. Believe me Diane, Maddie's

abilities are actually a hindrance around here. She can run SO SO fast!!!

Bad for us because we live in the city---she could be on a major street in

just seconds (this is why I walk 4 miles a day and have recently started

lifting). She has this uncanny climbing ability--bad for us because we have

to try and preclude what she'll do next to put herself in danger...we've

built contraptions to keep her from hurling herself down stairways. We

list her wonderful gross motor skills as a strength, but it's also listed as

an area that we need major help with.

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 5:39:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, duffey48@...

writes:

> She has this uncanny climbing ability--bad for us because we have

> to try and preclude what she'll do next to put herself in danger...we've

> built contraptions to keep her from hurling herself down stairways. We

> list her wonderful gross motor skills as a strength, but it's also listed

> as

> an area that we need major help with.

> Donna

>

>

>

You had mentioned in a earlier post that you broke your neck back a few years

ago. Was Maddie climbing on you? Because Rochelle trys to climb up us but I

tell her no no because I wouldn' t want to drop her

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 4:05:15 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

<< For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this

question

is for you all. >>

Hi Diane,

My son, Gene is 13 and he has never wanted to write or color. His coloring

consists of making big circles on a paper iwth a marker or crayon. I remember

when he was 5 ot 6 , that I too was told he wasn't ready for writing....now I

am not sure he really ever will be. Early on, I set up a goal that he would

independently learn to print his own name. For many years, he has copied his

name on paper over broken likes that spell his name. I think he can now

write most of his name without the broken lines, but this varies. Using his

hands for writing is something he has always resisted...for cutting too. I

don't think Gene will be a writer, so I have pushed for a number of years now

that he learns keyboarding. When I pushed for this in K, I remember the spec

ed teacher said he couldn't learn this. He does a pretty good job with this

today. He does all his spelling words on the computer...can hear then and

then type them. I wish, of course, that he could learn to type his thoughts

in sentences, but that hasn't happened yet....but I see this as a much

greater possiblity than him ever writing them. Someday, perhaps he will be

able to speak his thoughts in sentences, that would be the best.

I would encourage you to keep on asking for some writing adn cutting

practice, but to really consider keyboarding down the road. Using a

tiltboard will help and have her squeeze theraputty to strengthen her hands

too. Re: the PT, we didn't get much PT for Gene, same reasoning your staff

is giving. It was mainly reserved for the kids with CP or physical

disabilities. But in a way, Gene is physically disabled...much of it because

of his perceptual problems. EXample: I was setting him and his brother up

for camp this summerr. I thought we would try the regular housing this year,

vs. special needs housing. We finally put him in nature adventure because

the sport camps like soccer, basketball won't work....he will be doing some

hiking every day. I told them, as long as it isn't too rocky, uneven or too

long. They agreed he could come back with his counselor if it got too tough.

When we got to housing, I found his group would be in the chalets which are

on stilts and you need to clim a ladder to get to them!! I said " no way " , he

is afraid to even climb a ladder into an above ground pool. Open ladders

like that just don't work for him...so we had to put him back into the

special area for housing. Gene learned to jump when he was about 9 and he

really doesn't ride any form of bike. I think PT is worth pursuing and I

believe it can be helpful to our kids if they need it.

Lauri

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 4:05:15 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

<< For those of you who have children that don't like to write/cut this

question

is for you all. >>

Hi Diane,

My son, Gene is 13 and he has never wanted to write or color. His coloring

consists of making big circles on a paper iwth a marker or crayon. I remember

when he was 5 ot 6 , that I too was told he wasn't ready for writing....now I

am not sure he really ever will be. Early on, I set up a goal that he would

independently learn to print his own name. For many years, he has copied his

name on paper over broken likes that spell his name. I think he can now

write most of his name without the broken lines, but this varies. Using his

hands for writing is something he has always resisted...for cutting too. I

don't think Gene will be a writer, so I have pushed for a number of years now

that he learns keyboarding. When I pushed for this in K, I remember the spec

ed teacher said he couldn't learn this. He does a pretty good job with this

today. He does all his spelling words on the computer...can hear then and

then type them. I wish, of course, that he could learn to type his thoughts

in sentences, but that hasn't happened yet....but I see this as a much

greater possiblity than him ever writing them. Someday, perhaps he will be

able to speak his thoughts in sentences, that would be the best.

I would encourage you to keep on asking for some writing adn cutting

practice, but to really consider keyboarding down the road. Using a

tiltboard will help and have her squeeze theraputty to strengthen her hands

too. Re: the PT, we didn't get much PT for Gene, same reasoning your staff

is giving. It was mainly reserved for the kids with CP or physical

disabilities. But in a way, Gene is physically disabled...much of it because

of his perceptual problems. EXample: I was setting him and his brother up

for camp this summerr. I thought we would try the regular housing this year,

vs. special needs housing. We finally put him in nature adventure because

the sport camps like soccer, basketball won't work....he will be doing some

hiking every day. I told them, as long as it isn't too rocky, uneven or too

long. They agreed he could come back with his counselor if it got too tough.

When we got to housing, I found his group would be in the chalets which are

on stilts and you need to clim a ladder to get to them!! I said " no way " , he

is afraid to even climb a ladder into an above ground pool. Open ladders

like that just don't work for him...so we had to put him back into the

special area for housing. Gene learned to jump when he was about 9 and he

really doesn't ride any form of bike. I think PT is worth pursuing and I

believe it can be helpful to our kids if they need it.

Lauri

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/24/02 11:47:33 AM Eastern Standard Time,

timothytlstein@... writes:

> For many years, he has copied his

> name on paper over broken likes that spell his name. I think he can now

> write most of his name without the broken lines, but this varies. Using

> his

> hands for writing is something he has always resisted...for cutting too. I

>

> don't think Gene will be a writer, so I have pushed for a number of years

> now

> that he learns keyboarding

Thanks Lauri, it was really good to see someone who has gotten the same

advice. Glad to hear Gene can write his name. That's all I want right now.

Even if it's when she is 13 gosh 18. One step at a time.

I am aware of keyboarding, slant boards etc.. because of Rochelle's older

brother with the same needs just not the ds. He also resists and will never

be a writer on paper but has started keyboarding his thoughts. Not an easy

task I agree.

Thank you again for the encouragement.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/24/02 11:47:33 AM Eastern Standard Time,

timothytlstein@... writes:

> For many years, he has copied his

> name on paper over broken likes that spell his name. I think he can now

> write most of his name without the broken lines, but this varies. Using

> his

> hands for writing is something he has always resisted...for cutting too. I

>

> don't think Gene will be a writer, so I have pushed for a number of years

> now

> that he learns keyboarding

Thanks Lauri, it was really good to see someone who has gotten the same

advice. Glad to hear Gene can write his name. That's all I want right now.

Even if it's when she is 13 gosh 18. One step at a time.

I am aware of keyboarding, slant boards etc.. because of Rochelle's older

brother with the same needs just not the ds. He also resists and will never

be a writer on paper but has started keyboarding his thoughts. Not an easy

task I agree.

Thank you again for the encouragement.

Diane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/23/02 6:45:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dben937342@... writes:

> You had mentioned in a earlier post that you broke your neck back a few

> years

> ago. Was Maddie climbing on you? Because Rochelle trys to climb up us but I

> tell her no no because I wouldn' t want to drop her

> Diane

Diane,

Yes, a disc in my neck ruptured. Spread out over 5 vertebrae. I had

lost my reflexes, had spinal chord compression, and came very close to being

paralyzed (they did emergency spinal fusion surgery). Scariest time in my

life!!! Duff's too. We do think it had a lot to do with my carting Maddie

around. She used to just dive on you when you didn't expect it. Now,

she absolutely KNOWS not to climb on Mom...I just wont' let her. And we

ahve worked diligently on trying to get her to be more independent...it's

still work. THings like, having her climb into her car seat instead of

being lifted in (we have a suburban and lifting her UP and into that sucker

is a major task for a little person like me). I am very cautious

now....sure dont' want that experience again!!

Donna