Submitted by Margaret Demery, Occupational Therapist
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Difficulty with transitions | Transitions much more easily |
| Spoke very little | Speech is increasing and is much more spontaneous |
| Immature and weak grasp | Grasp strength is increasing |
I have worked with Nevin, a preschooler who just turned 4, on a weekly basis for about 10 weeks. He has ASD and has many sensory issues. He was very wary of going into the ball pit or on the platform swing when we first met, spoke very little and when he did, was often repeating what was said to him, and had difficulty with transitions. He has an immature grasp pattern and poor fine motor skills- weak grasp, switching hands and poor bilateral hand use. It was difficult for him to be still in supine to do the RM1 [Rhythmic Movement] exercise [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations First Level course], so I asked his Mom to try at home when he was resting.
We played on an incline mat with crawling up and then rolling down. I now remember to stimulate his palms beforehand. He loves when we roll down the mat together playfully, and he now loves to go into the ball pit and play together as well as on the swing.
"Mom notes his self-regulation has improved throughout the day with transitions and activities. His speech is increasing and much more spontaneous. His grasp strength is increasing as observed when coloring with rock crayons on bumpy boards."
I initially had to provide hands-on help but no longer need to with improved strength and stamina observed. I have not yet formally assessed his reflexes, as he moves about quickly. My guess is that when school begins again in the fall he will be more willing to participate in these assessments, as his nervous system will have become even more mature. Mom will be doing [Rhythmic Movements] over the summer and we can expand on this in the fall.
[Edited for length and clarity; emphasis added]