SLP recommended OT. Update in OP

[budders]

Did she give any more specific reasons for recommending OT? Sensory, fine motor, etc.?


ETA: Difficulty transitioning for a 3 year old does not sound out of the norm to me, if that's what she was suggesting. But not sure why an OT would need to be involved unless there were motor planning or sensory needs coming into play, since an SLP can work on transitions using language cues, presets and visual supports.

[budders]

Also, why was he crying and why was she carrying him? Because the session was done and he didn't want to leave? Trying to figure out how this fits in.

[budders]

Jun 18, 2017 14:02:23 GMT -6 FlightView said:

I haven't met with the OT yet, she was supposed to be in the session last Thursday but wasn't available at the last minute.

So was an OT eval or consultation already in the works?

[budders]

Ah, that makes sense. I think you absolutely made the right choice, it never hurts to have a professional evaluate your child if there is a possible concern. I am just surprised, from a professional perspective, that the SLP didn't give any more information than "transitions". That's pretty vague and doesn't really indicate why an OT would be recommended. As a special ed teacher, I work on transitions a lot using a variety of strategies, and most of them are language-based (visual schedules, presets, picture cues, sign language, etc.). My OT weighs in when there issues or strategies related to her discipline, but she is often working with those students on other motor skills and sensory needs as well. To give the benefit of the doubt, maybe she didn't want to plant any of those concerns before the OT had a chance to observe/evaluate.

And, based on the information you shared, it sounds like pretty typical toddler/preschool behavior to me, especially for a preferred activity (and even more especially for a kid who has communication needs). Hopefully when the OT is able to join the session you'll get some more insight and clarity.

[budders]

FlightView I'm glad she was able to provide some more specific information about his potential needs. I hope the evaluation leads to him getting support for whatever needs are determined, if any.

[sheilathetank]

I'm glad you got some good feedback and have a plan moving forward!

[sheilathetank]

Jun 29, 2017 20:19:29 GMT -6 FlightView said:

We had the evaluation today, it's pretty clear he needs help transitioning between activities and needs stimulation to be calm enough to pay attention/complete an activity. At the beginning of the session he would jump from bouncing balls to bubbles to blocks to coloring all within minutes. After going to the gym and exerting himself on all of their activities he was able to concentrate on smaller activities. I'm not sure I'm making sense, but it was clear to my H and I he will benefit from OT. Just thought I'd update again, thanks for the input!

I'm glad the evaluation pinpointed his needs. It looked like you have a plan going forward and I hope OT works wonders for your DS.

[budders]

That's great that the OT was able to give a clearer picture of his needs. Sounds like there's a sensory component, I hope that the OT services help to address that for him!

[you]

Jun 18, 2017 14:01:36 GMT -6 FlightView said:

budders she wasn't anymore specific than he has trouble transitioning. He doesn't have any sensory or fine motor needs. He was crying because he wanted to play with the cars and didn't want to put them away. So, I'm guessing he refused to clean up and leave the room.

That sounds normal.

Just saw the update. It doesn't seem terribly abnormal for that age, but I don't know exactly what was observed. Glad you feel better about the plan.