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View Full Version : Can't sit because of low tone issues


Deester
12-14-2004, 02:25 PM
Does anyone have a problem with low tone (hypotonia)? We discovered recently that my daughter suffers from low tone in her trunk. This makes it physically hard for her to sit at any activity.

She is hyperactive and barely ever slows down. We have always had problems with getting her to sit in her chair at mealtime. Recently when her school discovered this it all made sense. She also has been having a hard time sitting in the car as well. We removed her booster seat recently and I notice she’ll slouch against the shoulder strap and her feet are one along side the bench and the other somewhat in front. Bad posture over all.

We tried step stools, nubby wedges, armed chairs, child chair/table set in an effort to correct her sitting. We even tried a rice lap belt years ago all of which helped marginally or not at all.

We are constantly reminding her to sit at dinner. She won’t sit but a minute. She has one foot on the floor and bit on the chair. Lot’s of time she stands. We even have tried her sitting on a low bar stool. She also, as many might imagine falls out of her chair often for no apparent reason.

Recently being transitioned into Kindergarten at carpet time she tries so hard to sit cross-legged. This is the hardest for her. They have made accommodations for her by letting her use a block chair.

Any ideas?

Denise

StrictNon-Confo
12-15-2004, 12:19 AM
It would seem that this may have very well been a problem for me in the past, though it might not have been the only one. If you leave it alone, chances are it will correct itself, but you can't absolutely count on that. In junior high school for business class, the class was broken into several groups, and each group videotaped a commercial for something. I noted that I had a very unusual leaning-forward walk when I viewed that.

Also, as a little kid (pre-kindergarten) my older brother (well, they're both older! :p ) reports that I'd be sitting up, then suddenly tip over sideways. Whether that was poor balance, poor muscle tone, or something else, is unclear to me, or anyone else, for that matter.

However, there is a practical thing that is appropriate for poor muscle tone: exercise designed to tone the muscles in question! I'd suggest asking an exercise physiologist about exercise balls: they are similar in size to large beach balls, though there are different sizes for different people available. They are very tough (they exist for large people like myself, and short of introducing a sharp object, I think I'd pop before they would!) and sitting/laying on one and remaining stable requires a certain amount of tone to remain there. There are specific exercise routines designed with using these exercise balls for probably all the muscle groups (I've not checked it out thoroughly yet myself) and for someone that's hyper by nature, what could be better than a piece of furniture that makes it nearly impossible to stay still? :D

Deester
12-15-2004, 11:09 AM
I'll try the ball thing again. Tried it a while back and she kept taking out the plug so the air would come out. She also has done this with bean bag chairs with the beads inside.

Nothing is safe around her....Hehhehe

Denise

Lisa S
12-15-2004, 04:04 PM
Denise,
The Disc O Sit cushions helped Catherine with her sitting. Have you tried the air cushions similar to the Disc O Sit cushions that are wedge-shaped? I think they are called MOVIN’SIT. They are good for kids with lower muscle tone in their trunks. I found a link if you want to see what I am talking about.

http://www.specialkidszone.com/Product_Level3.asp?ProductID=940

Lisa

Deester
12-15-2004, 04:27 PM
Lisa,

Tried them, they just end up on the floor. Wait...I haven't tried Glueing to the chair....just a thought...

Sorry, any other thoughts.

My husband met with some autism expert today. He noticed her posture as well. He said she was much better and more focued after a short break. I have to get more details from hubby tonight.

Denise

Lisa S
12-18-2004, 09:14 AM
Denise,
Have you had Michelle evaluated by an occupational therapist for sensory integration dysfunction? I was reading "The Out-of-Sync Child" and it said proprioceptive problems could cause postural instability. I like StrictNon-Conformist's idea about the therapy ball to strengthen Michelle's trunk muscles, but maybe an occupational therapist could suggest more activities to help her. Just a thought.
Lisa

Deester
12-20-2004, 09:08 AM
Yes she's been evaluated. I do think one of them has mentioned Sensory Intregretion dysfunction. So yes I do believe she already has that diagnosis.

The O/T that works with her is WONDERFUL. She spots things and issues I never saw.

I do have the book I'll have to reference it again.

Thanks,

Denise