P/T and Autism

[Deester]

Are P/T issues very common in relationship to Autism? If this is common practice what are the therapist working on?

We’ve said that my daughter needs some kind of P/T since before she was 3. We finally go the school to do an evaluation. They said she needs it because of not being aware of her body in space and motor clumsiness, inability to remain focused unless prompted and redirected. Concern for her lack of safety awareness, delayed reaction, and responsive speed as in putting up arms to catch a ball were also noted.

They also mentioned that she was in constant motion throughout the evaluation LOL…”no kidding!”

Scored 1 to 2 years below her age in testing.

Is this the kind of stuff that is common?

Denise

[shanni91]

That is a good question. I know Jacob hasn't had a PT eval but has some of the problems you mentioned above. The school just finished his OT eval and I won't know what is going on with that until our CSE meeting onthe 30th of this month--seems like forever.

[mlwear]

Around here I know some autistic children do get PT services. But whenever I have asked about it, I'm told that it is really for those more severely affected.
I observed Austin in class today and couldn't believe how far behind the other kids (also on the spectrum) he is with regard to "on demand" body movements. I don't know if it is PT issue or an OT issue or WHAT??? The children were doing calendar time and singing songs that required snapping (Austin can't snap--I thought this was probably normal for any 5 year old--but ALL the other kids could). It was so sad. Austin held his hands under the table and tried as the other kids snapped. Then they had to clap instead of snap. Austin has NO rhythm. Then it was slap hands face to face with a partner. Austin was completey uncooridinated with the other child. Finally, stomping feet. He just couldn't do it at the right time. Oh, then it was hop on one foot--forget it. He had so much trouble paying attention to the whole thing. Oh, it was just awful. I'm kind of getting off topic here. It's been a long day.

[Deester]

mlwear,

These issue that you talk about, Michelle has difficulty with pretty much all. She can clap but don't know if she can do it to a rythm.

Seems the P/T and O/T really mesh together for accomplishing these skills. I would eithor insist that the school evaluate him or get your own independent eval.

My daughter seems to fall all the time and she will walk on her toes quite a bit too. It's worth the investment for the evaluation if it gets you services that your son needs.

Denise

[mlwear]

Do you mean a P/T eval or a gross motor O/T eval? Austin doesn't walk on his toes, but he does fall a lot. He seems to like it. In fact, seeming to like to fall was one of the questions on his sensory eval. But, the kid runs into stuff ALL the time. He is covered in bruises (not to mention those that are self-inflicted).
I did get a nice email from the OT regarding the snapping. She assured me that many kids at his age can't snap (that's what I thought). She suggested that he just tap his thumb and first or middle finger together during the song instead of trying to snap. We worked on this over the weekend and he was so relieved. These little people go through so much more stress than many people think. I asked the OT to share the new technique with the teacher.

Right now, I just feel like so much isn't going right for Austin. I don't know if I'm making mountains out of mole hills (I have a tendency to do that), or if things have really run off in a ditch. His teacher this year is terrible. We have a meeting on Wednesday that may resolve some of that. But, he has so many more issues, it seems. Or maybe my expectations are too high.

I'm getting ready to take him to the psychiatrist. We switched from neurologist to psychiatrist over the summer when OCD and self-injury were reaching crisis levels. Now, I'm wondering if we should go some other route. We have always maintained our regular pediatrician because she is close and very accesible at all hours. Thenk we have used several specialist. We have never used a developmental pediatrician. Maybe that is what I should do?
I feel really lost right now.

[pimmy]

I know some of the children that were with Sarah last year did have the spacial and clumsiness/awareness problems. They did work with body awareness, through trials and making a game out of it, going under things, climbling and so on, but first they had to make sure that they knew what those words meant. Does that make sense. As for the singing, humming, snapping fingers in circle time, and so on, what I do know that if the child has a delayed receptive problem, then of course he cannot keep "up to the beat" he is most likely hearing it, or its registering at a different time then the rest of the kids. As for us, Sarah can either sing OR dance, but cannot do both at the same time, a multitasking problem, so I have written to the teachers, pick your choice, either one or the other NOT both, this way the frustration does not kick in with her. My 2 cents worth.....Jodi

[Deester]

Mlwear,

I think getting a P/T evaluation may be more in tune with what you need. My view of the difference between O/T and P/T is that O/T is more along the line of need and requirement for sensory-based movements. P/T is the physical process of movement and being able to coordinate different groups of muscles to perform a particular task at hand.

If the school gives you any resistance about doing an evaluation then get one done independently. I think that helps twofold. First the evaluation is done with out any budget restraints in mind. Second, it shows the school how involved and determined not to let anything get in your way of your child’s development. They may respect your view or opinion of things down the road. Saying that they might as well give her what she wants otherwise she’ll take matters into her own hands. That’s what I like to think they say.

The falling a lot, check the fit of his shoes because that could be the case too. I know I forget because I’m not the one wearing the shoes! It does sound as if he has poor motor planning that he can’t stop before crashing into objects.

I take my daughter to a developmental pediatrician. She is super. Always listens and is on “my side” with so many issues and I don’t have to explain every detail of what I mean when I say she requires more deep pressure lately. She is not a DAN doctor. Go with who you feel comfortable with.


Denise

[momof3]

Hi, I'm new here, but I found your topic interesting enough to comment. From my own past experience with my child, I would advise, especially if your child is in an ESE class for the eval on OT and PT. I work in ESE pre-k and have done so for a while now and from what I have seen these go hand in hand. If your child's teacher is relunctant to do so go to the guidance of the school and make the request once more. If that doesn't get the ball rolling, then call the school board admin. over special needs classes. Even if your child isn't in ESE, the school is responsible for providing your child with all assistance possible. That is your right and your child's right. From what I am understanding from you, your child needs both. My son, when he was in pre-k up until Middle school received OT from his school. I don't profess to know it all by a long shot, but if you don't stand up for your child and insist on having an eval done now or soon, then time flies by fast and it can't be regained. My son who is 13 now was only diagnosed when he was 12 of being high-functioning. This after being in ESE since he was 3 and us constantly questioning, but never pushing. I regret it, because he could have been receiving more assistance all these years and that can't be done over. We can only go forward and hope we are making the best choices for him now. I do not regret the OT assistance he received though. Some years were better than others, but every little bit helps. Working in ESE myself, I see the assistance the OT and PT provide to our students and it is so great. They are involved and concerned about the children. So pursue having an eval done and keep pursueing it if you feel the teacher isn't. Your child will benefit from it.
Feel free to contact me if you wish.
Shirley

[mlwear]

I contacted a developmental pediatrician and have to fill out forms to see if he will take Austin as a patient. The receptionist assured me that already having a diagnosis would ensure a slot. I do intend to ask the school to do a PT eval. But, I also think Austin needs someone to pull everything together. We are seeing all these specialists and it feels like I'm the one transfering all the data to everyone. I don't know what I'm doing! I also need someone to push our insurance into doing additional private OT and PT evaluations and I think it will help to have someone like him to do it.

[Deester]

mlwear,

Ever think of getting an advocate? They have parent advocates that have been there done that and can assist in doing or help by getting things organized and have everyone talk to each other so your not the go between for every little detail.

Check with other parents or when you finally get in to see your new doctor ask them about possible connections, they are great sources of information we all have to network to get the most for our kids.

Denise

[mlwear]

We have a professional special education issues specialist who is also a psychologist that we hire;however, so often meetings are set up when she isn't available. If we wait until "they" are available at the same time as she, then we are usually talking months.
I've heard some comments of parent advocates here and thee, but they don't seem to be sincere offers, you know what I mean. I think there are quite a few people who want to claim to be advocates, but when it actually comes to putting in the time and effort...it is hard to get them to commit. (I've done volunteer advocacy work for a very different cause and I think this is not a uniquie problem).
Perhaps, if I go through a more professional organization or when we get with the new doc--he should have some advice.
I don't know...it is very frustrating right now. There aren't many alreternatives to our current situation, which is a terrible one. It is very depressing.