Case Study

OD

Male, age 4

OD was referred to outpatient occupational therapy by his Speech Language Pathologist and parents. The primary concern was motor coordination for age appropriate skills, and apraxia of speech. A complete evaluation indicated fine motor and gross motor skills well below average, sensory processing differences, and delay in attaining independence in self care skills due to these skill deficits.

A home program was initiated to address postural control, head righting reactions, palmar grasp reflex, and spinal gallant. His home program incorporates movements and activities to integrate these reflexes. The activities and movements have included rhythmic movenents, hand reflexes activities, joint compressions, rocking on hands and knees, sequence of grasp hand positions, ripping and crumbing paper (had to start with tissue paper first), bottom walking, donkey kicking, roly poly, blowing activities, and core activation.

After initiating the home program, OD’s parents were amazed that he was willing to “wear pants again”. He had been refusing to wear any type of pants, and preferred to only wear a shirt. He was fully potty trained within 2 weeks, after trying on and off for 2 years. He began calmly and willingly climbing into his car seat and staying calm throughout all car rides.

His SLP was amazed that he is now speaking in sentences and has increased confidence in his speech abilities.

His teachers are reporting that his use of a scissors is better than any other children his age. Based on the progress and where his current skill level is at, his frequency for outpatient OT services has decreased to one time a week only. He will continue to utilize his home program and have it be revised during his once a week session.

OD is now an outgoing, playful, and inquisitive 4-year-old boy who once would only prefer to sit and watch TV.

Case Study submitted by A.H., Occupational Therapist

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