Changes In Sensory Input

Again, more input from Karin regarding Raquel's sensory processing. She actually showed up at the perfect time. Raquel was just starting to get really wound up - was very happy and smiling, but bouncing off the walls a bit like she has been these past couple of days. Karin immediately got the rock filled pushing toy and had her push that thing across the room a couple of times. She calmed right down. Karin said that she appeared to be growing, which is throwing her system off and making her unable to self-regulate.

Because of this, Karin made some changes to how I've been giving her the sensory input. For starters, no bouncing on the fitness ball until I see her again next week. She said that Raquel needs heavy and predictable proprioceptive input right now that works both her upper and lower body. Pushing the weighted toy works primarily upper body, so she also wants me to do jumps with her to engage her lower body. No spinning, no swinging, no twirling, no crashing - absolutely nothing unpredictable. This is going to be tough because everything I've become accustomed to doing, I can't. And I'm already having trouble identifying what is and isn't considered predictable.

I also asked about the best way to transition her to a school setting since Raquel is so sensory. Karin said that her classroom should have a sensory area where they can work with her as needed. She said that I need to get involved as much as possible, ask tons of questions, and make sure that they are handling ALL of her needs. Karin used to work for a school district and tried to somewhat prepare me for the transition, saying that her first two weeks will probably be pretty horrible and that she will be way out of sorts until she adapts to the new routine. But, then again, I prepared myself for the worst as far as the ABA therapy goes, and Raquel did an amazing job adapting to that.

Unfortunately, Karin has given notice so I am losing another therapist. This is going to be really hard since she helps me so much with all the sensory stuff. And it's going to be unfair to Raquel. Since we are approaching the holidays and she is so close to her transition, the likelihood of her receiving a replacement OT is pretty slim. Karin's last day is in two weeks.

Janine overlapped with Jennifer for the afternoon ABA session. Raquel was extremely vocal and pretty much talked the entire time, which Janine was happy to see. She made a couple program changes and also took pictures to make something called a "visual schedule", which is what she will be using in school. She took pictures of Raquel sitting at her table getting ready to work, playing with dolls in Gabby's room, as well as listening to her music. These will then be affixed to a designated wall by velcro (just like the PECS) and she will need to match the pictures to what activity she is doing.

I also received a call today from the school district nurse. She scheduled a routine hearing & vision test for Raquel this coming Monday, after her morning session with Cari.