Showing More Progress

Even though Raquel was easily frustrated during occupational therapy yesterday, she is showing steady progress. I am very happy to have Karin on a weekly basis now. It was apparent that Raquel recognized her, but this is the third time she has come - with the other two visits being at different times and overlapping with other therapists. Karin is really looking forward to getting a routine going with Raquel and thinks she will be much more tolerant once she is used to her being there at consistent times and is familiar with the toys she will be using.

Again, great feedback from her. I mentioned to her that whenever she started to get fussy, I would bounce her on the exercise ball. She said not to do that - that it could reinforce the behavior if that is what she is seeking - and to increase bouncing her on it from 3 times per day to 6 times per day. She is hoping that will give her enough sensory input to help her throughout the day. How all the sensory stuff works is still really fascinating to me and I don't do it much justice in my explanations. The good news is that her throwing her head back is now an isolated event and I can usually predict when it will take place so I can block it.

Karin is using a cork board with pegs that Raquel pulls off. She holds it at different heights and angles to not only strengthen her hand-eye coordination but to also strengthen her core. At one point, she had her sitting on the ball and stretching way up to pull off the pegs, going from her right side to her left. She seemed to like it okay - the main thing is to keep the activity brief, give her a break when needed, and go right back to it. She also had her put poker chips into a tiny slot. She had difficulty pushing them in, but did fine taking them out. It's easier for her to pull things out right now than to push in. Karin said that Raquel displays a lot of effort, that even though she can't always complete the task, she makes many attempts at it, which is a wonderful thing.

Raquel did become frustrated on several occasions. She started crying and it was really hard to redirect her. Karin wants me to work with Elizabeth on this next week. The goal is for Raquel to find ways to calm herself instead of us having to do it for her.

Karin also works on Raquel's self-feeding with utensils. That is still very much a work in progress, but it is improving. It's just one big mess of applesauce, though. Yesterday Raquel repeated, "No mouth" when we were playing with the pegs and is making solid choices.

Wendy came at her regular time and I don't think Raquel has ever been so happy to see her. She watched her pull in the driveway from Gabby's room and immediately started laughing and jumping up and down and hitting the window. When Wendy started to walk up the driveway, Raquel went to the door to greet her. She is by far the most attached to Wendy.

Wendy brought her usual toys and Raquel was playing much more functional - pushing the balls through the holes instead of rolling them and playing catch. She also put a lid on a container, which is the first time she has done this. She was very affectionate with Wendy - giving her hugs and wanting to sit on her lap. We've come a long way from her first visit with us when she was attached to my body and would do nothing but throw whatever was put in front of her. Although it is moving slowly - it IS progress.