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Here is what our families are saying...
A Parents Note on Occupational Therapy for Sensory Integration
Dear Marget,
Kimberly came to us as a foster
child at the age of 3 months. She had been exposed to drugs and alcohol during the pregnancy and was malnourished at the time
of her placement with us. Kimberly had a difficult time attaching to family as well as interacting. As she grew, there were
indications of significant (60%) sensory delays. Occupational Therapy was recommended.
Prior to Occupational Therapy,
Kimberly exhibited the following (as well as other unhealthy) behaviors:
- Non - interactive on every level
- Overly aggressive - biting (self/others), hitting, banging head on
floor
- Frequent tantrums and/or meltdowns or crying fits
- Unwillingness to sleep - 2- 6 hours of non-stop crying every night
- Not playful or interactive with sibling
- Strongwilled, independent, and frequently out of control
- Attention span of less than 30 seconds
- Restraint phobia - climbed out of car seat, high chair; disliked being
held
- Strong need to develop a consistent and regular routine
Progress we have witnessed since the implementation
of Occupational Therapy (focused for a sensory diet) which has included one-on-one therapy sessions, music/listening therapy,
brushing and compression, lots of TLC, recommended books (Out of Sync Child, Five Love Languages for Children), as well as
on-going recommendations by OT to parent:
- Socially adaptive; seeks out attention and affection from parents,
siblings and others; loves to give hugs and kisses
- Incidents of aggressive behavior greatly reduced in frequency and
intensity
- Tantrums are less frequent and crying fits are "well staged", not
involuntary
- Still having bedtime issues: of a MUCH shorter duration now, however
- Interacts well with sibling and other children; laughs a lot; very
playful
- Still strong-willed but controllable with firm and loving discipline;
still independent, but not in an anti-social way
- Attention span now much improved; can stay on task for 3 to 5 minutes
and moves smoothly from one activity to another
- Still has moderate restraint phobia; although she is able to sit contained
in car seat for longer periods of time without meltdown or need to escape
- Routine has been established and she has responded well; she is much
more even-tempered and pleasant when routine is maintained
Kimberly is not the same child we brought to that first OT
session; she seems well on her way to a healthy childhood.
Sincerely,
Pat & Teresa, adoptive parents of
Kimberly
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A letter from an Early Intervention family~
Dear Marget,
We are so thankful for the support you have given us as our daughter
Maddie participated in your OT home visits. You always found a way to keep Maddie's sibs involved as well. We always could
count on you for family advice, especially when the big transition times came- leaving EI, attending preschool and even transitioning
to kindergarten. It was always so comforting to know that you also are raising a young man who has Down Syndrome. We appreciate
your example and friendship and will miss the wonderful Christmas party you always hosted at your church.
Now that we live out of state, we can look back and see how important
your place was in our family.
Best wishes always from Maddie's family
______________________________________________________________
Special Letter From A "Forever Family"
Dear Marget,
We're not sure who is most grateful for your help
--us or our daughter! Because of the techniques you taught us (brushing and compression), Malia slept through the night for
the first time at age 3 1/2!!
We always thought Malia was just "more" of everything -- more intense, more active,
more sensitive, more clingy, etc. It was thanks to your keen observation, knowledge and expertise that you picked up on Malia's
sensory integration issues when our own pediatrician did not! You took the time to educate us, which has made a tremendous
difference in helping us to help our daughter, as well as allowing us to educate those who work with her. Small adaptations
have made such a difference for her -- and for us!
Even now that Malia is older, she still asks to be "brushed and
squeezed" when it's been one of those days! Now that she can articulate her feelings (physical and emotional), she'll tell
us, "I feel soooo much better!" after we brush her. After a brief session she simply turns over and goes to sleep - peacefully,
no less!
We consider ourselves educated, experienced parents, but we simply had no clue about sensory integration
and what issues may arise when you child is having difficulties in this area. We simply cannot thank you enough for all that
you have done to make us and our daughter so much more at peace! Keep up the great work on behalf of children with special
needs!
Gratefully,
Lori and Mike (and Malia, too!)
Geneva, IL
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