I went through something similar with Dd11, she went to OT for about a year when she was 7. I remember that she would work "one on one" with the OT, who would show me how she cut the shape out and was able to write the word on the line, etc. However, then she would struggle with the same tasks in class where there was no "one on one" and at home with me. Does the teacher see any improvements in motor skill use in the classroom? If you are not seeing improvements IRL then chances are the teacher isn't either and their opinion could help sway the vote in favor of a service in an IEP.
As for OT, I really appreciated there being someone else, besides myself, trying to help my child improve her motor skills......it was exhausting dealing with her frustrations. Yet somehow, going to OT was more like a playdate, that my Dd enjoyed and in which she tried hard to please. It was a positive experience for her. So, is OT a positive experience for your son? Does he want to continue attending?
Eventually, slowly, I started to see progress with certain things, like zippers and writing. So Dd was able to zip and unzip jackets/sweaters, shoelaces were too difficult so we just stuck with slip on, velcro, or zipper shoes. With tons of practice and patience, she now has lovely handwriting, learned to tie her shoes 5 months ago and is now mastering bike riding. Of course, there are new challenges that pop up...such as lockers.
15 Nov 2012, 1:09 pm
