Jason was referred to an OT due to concerns about his handwriting and sports ability. He was first seen by an OT in August 2013 at the age of 8. At that time he was given a full Occupational Therapy assessment which highlighted that he is good at Maths and Science, has a good level of general knowledge and an extensive vocabulary. Jason enjoys reading and using a computer, plays the piano and is approaching the second grade.
Jason’s parents said that his handwriting is difficult to read, and since he is aware how hard he finds it to write well- he tries to avoid writing and when he does write he uses shorter words, even though he has an excellent vocabulary. Jason does not have any flair for sport. Jason is sometimes a bit socially awkward, but he does make and keep friends.
Jason’s input: Jason explained how he really loves his computer time at home, even though he is restricted to one hour a day. His main concern currently is that he will not get his “pen passport” to use a pen rather than a pencil, in class, however hard he tries.
The Treatment Goals we worked on with Timocco:
- Jason will find it easy to use cutlery efficiently for an entire meal without parental prompts. In order to enhance his bilateral co-ordination, we had two handed activities and games including Timocco.
- Jason will be able to write the letter “S” so that the curves at the top and bottom are equal whilst writing half a page of cursive writing. For the sake of improving his Midline crossing we did some exercises such as touching opposite knees whilst holding a conversation and playing Timocco.
- Jason will be able to complete one page of writing whilst maintaining a good sitting posture. He will hold his paper, rather than his head, with his non-dominant hand. For the purpose of increasing his Postural control- we played Therapy Ball’s games, Wheelbarrows and Timocco.
Summary:
A variety of activities have been used during treatment sessions and part of them has been the use of Timocco and since the beginning of treatment sessions Jason has made great strides. He now has his “pen licence” and is finding handwriting much more productive.
It has been used towards the end of the sessions as a motivator and a reward but with very specific treatment goals in mind. In particular, Timocco has been used to strengthen Jason’s shoulder girdle and to encourage mid-line crossing and bilateral control.
More recently he has become so keen, that his parents have decided that part of his daily hour of computer use can be using Timocco at home and to these ends they have decided to purchase Timocco for home use.
Naomi Clayden
Dip.C.O.T. PGCE. HPCP Reg.
Oxford, UK
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