Today is the day that we have the all day, in-depth evaluation for my son to determine if he, in fact, does have ADHD. Regardless of the outcome, we are extremely happy that we've opened ourselves up to occupational therapy. As a family, we have learned a tremendous amount about the importance of a balanced sensory diet.
Our son has different issues with his visual, auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive senses. The therapists are teaching us different ways to help our child meet his needs. You would be amazed at the amount of "stuff" available out there...thank goodness for the information highway.
Here are some of the items that we are currently using:
B-Calm- This helps block out ambient noise. He's not super fond of wearing headphones, but it helps during desk work.
Hanging Seat: This swing helps our son focus and remain calm. I would have never thought that swinging would help someone's focus, but because the motion give him the sensations his body craves, it DOES help! We are using this at OT, but we are going to get it for our home too.
We are also getting him a trampoline and hoppity ball for at home use.
In addition, he is involved with karate and swimming. Both are helping him with his coordination.
Yes, each situation is different, but these are some things that have helped our child improve without having to introduce medication. As we discover new ways, I will be sure to post about it.
2 comments:
I hope your evaluation went well - however it turns out.
I just attended a really interesting talk this week about how to get your child ready to write, which was really a little beyond our son, because he's writing already, but very poorly.
Anyway, one of the suggestions from the OT was to have him do his homework standing up at an easel or actually taping it to the underside of a coffee table (or similar). It helps to isolate the shoulder muscles so that the arm is more stabilized - and who wouldn't love doing homework standing up and able to move or upside down?! :)
Hi Sara! Thanks! It was such a long day. We won't have the "official" report for a few weeks.
Same with our son...writing but struggles with the handwriting. Those are great ideas, and he would LOVE to do that! I'm gonna present it as an option for him next week (he loves having choices. :D) Thanks so much!
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