Over 35 with Young Kids

I was told at Zach's preK screening that he needs Occupational Therapy for fine motor skills.

Have any of you gone through this with your kids???  What to expect?  How well did it work?

Malachi is going through the screening process now.  His teachers have noticed problems with fine motor, and I have to agree.  They had arts and crafts for kids at the zoo's Halloween event yesterday, and he really had a hard time handling the materials and kiddie scissors, even for his age.  We're hoping to be able to have it done at school.  He doesn't like to draw because he finds it hard to control the crayon or whatever, despite a love of color.

Gwen

Thanks, Toni!

I'm still waiting to see if our insurance covers it, but if not, I will see what we can do through the school.  I really don't want him labeled "special Ed" at this point, so hopefully this will be covered.

He has problems with strength while coloring etc... (pressing down on the crayon, buttoning, zipping).  He has bad coordination fine and gross, but the fine motor skills are more in need of attention. 

I hope M can get the help he needs as well.

Chris  our middle son Tyler went through O.T. for about 3 1/2 years.  It really worked well.  He did it at school and at our hospital with our insurance plan.

The hopsital O.T. and school O.T.  really helped.  Tyler went twice a week to both. They would work with balls,  writing, lots of hand strengthing activities.

The Hosptial actually told us that Tyler would probably never learn how to ride a bike ( without training wheels), play baseball or football - such as team sports   But he has completely over came it.   He was pitcher of his baseball team for 2 years and of coarse has played pee wee football for 3 years and now 2 years in school.  He can do everything that they said that he wouldn't be able to do. They can also help you with some modifications when he starts to school to help him get what he needs.  The Hospital evaluation was probably more informative but the school eval. was good.  What I would do is let the school do an evaluation and depending on what they find then decide if you want to go through your insurance if they would pay for it.  There is also a handwriting program that they used for Tyler that is called Handwriting without tears.

www.hwtears.com  it's really neat and it does work.  Another recommendation was using molding clay.  They would put a couple of rocks in it and he would have to find them.  I will look i'm sure I have some more stuff that would be helpful to you.

Just going to O.T should not label him.  Tyler did have some other problems with learning which is where most of his problems are coming from now.

 

 

 

   

 

<

 

   Brandon is in the  

 

 

    

 

 

                                          

 

 

Thanks you so much for the info Kelly.  Any other info you want to share would be great.

I spoke with Zach's teacher today when I picked him up.  I told her about the OT, and she said not to do anything until she talks with the OT person for the school (she knows her well).  She said between me, her and the OT person, Zach should be in good shape.  I will see what she has to say on Wednesday when I take Zach back to school.