More Typo Tot Medical Drama.

[Typo Lad]

Sodding Hell.

Today was Tot’s Nursery graduation. I couldn’t attend, because I was covering another shift in addition to covering my own area. However, Suzannah went and I’ll be watching the video tonight.

While there, Tot’s teacher dropped a potential bomb on us. She came over to Suzannah and informed us that she believes Tot needs Occupational Therapy.

This isn’t the first time she’s expressed concern about Tot. At our first (only, actually) parent/teacher thing, she mentioned that Tot seemed unable to sit still unless in a chair with a back. I chalked it up to nervous energy and honestly didn’t give it a second thought. Suzannah’s also been a bit on edge about the way Tot walks, saying she seems to have a pigeon-toed walk. Plus there’s the constant spilling, which we chalked up to inherited clumsiness.

This time though, it was more than just a “hunch” on the teacher’s part. It seems that Student X is in OT, and her therapist was there. The teacher took advantage of the moment to ask if the therapist thought Student Y needed OT. The therapist looked right at the teacher and said “No, but that little girl does.”

Damnit.

So Suzannah conferred with the teacher and with the school director. They both think Tot needs to be evaluated. In light of our horrible experiences with Tot’s new NJ pediatric practice, we’re actually going to take her back to her old doctor in the Bronx. The 20 minute drive is worth it to take her to a doctor who knows and cares about her. Dr. Weiner has been her doctor since day one.

Meanwhile, I’m actually glad that the school is looking in this direction. Instead of saying ‘fidgety, clumsy kit? Let’s break out the Ritallin!” they’re looking for physical causes first.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I'm sorry for Typo Tot's situation, Morts, but it sounds like you've got a great, caring teacher there. And, hopefully, your doc will be able to fix Tot up with some appropriate OT. The great thing about kids this age is that they have an amazing recuparative capability. The docs thought my little girl's vision was so bad that she would develop lazy eye, but here we are a year later and her vision has corrected itself to the point where she doesn't even need glasses.

[DarlingNikki]

oh no!

i'm so sorry to hear about the lil one not being healthy. i hope you can resolve the issue soon. until then, i'll be sending good vibes your way. i've got her beautiful photo on my wall o'babies here in my office. i'm gonna blow a kiss her way. i just know she's gonna be alright.

[west3man]

Please school the ignorant. My mild familiarity with the term "occupational therapy" appears to be in a totally different context than the one you all seem to be discussing. Googling didn't help.

What do you mean by "occupational therapy?"

[Typo Lad]

Google sure helped me!

Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?

A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with

* work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries
* limitations following a stroke or heart attack
* arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
* birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
* mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress
* problems with substance use or eating disorders
* burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations
* broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents
* vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive.

Tot's issues could fall uner all of those, depending on how she's diagnosed.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Please school the ignorant. My mild familiarity with the term "occupational therapy" appears to be in a totally different context than the one you all seem to be discussing. Googling didn't help.

What do you mean by "occupational therapy?"

In my mind, OT in this context means physical therapy to cope with and/or overcome a determined physical developmental problem. Although it's called "occupational" therapy, because it's usually used in the context of work-related health and physical problems, the therapy has broader uses than just for work.

[Typo Lad]

In my mind, OT in this context means physical therapy to cope with and/or overcome a determined physical developmental problem. Although it's called "occupational" therapy, because it's usually used in the context of work-related health and physical problems, the therapy has broader uses than just for work.

yeah, the Doc got that right.

I still don't quite grasp why it's not called PT, but hey, whatever makes the doctors happy.

[Sir Tim Drake]

Very sorry to hear that, Morts. I hope everything turns out okay.

[Rallura]

Tot's a smart determined kid, I doubt she'll let something like this get in her way for long.

[west3man]

Tot's a smart determined kid, I doubt she'll let something like this get in her way for long.
Pft. I'm convinced this is simply a plot by a sly occupational therapist to see Typo-Tot cuteness first-hand and more frequently.

It's despicable. Wish I'd thought of it.

[dougputhoff]

My prayers are with you, Morts.

[bert]

Morts,

I've read all your threads today, but I'm just gonna reply here:

Have faith, guy.

Everything happens for a reason. (even the car towing).

Here's a wish that everything works out OK w/ the tot -- heck, getting some OT, might even work out better for her than you are hoping :)

I'm thinking of ya (and the whole family).

bert

[Spike-X]

Meanwhile, I’m actually glad that the school is looking in this direction. Instead of saying ‘fidgety, clumsy kit? Let’s break out the Ritallin!” they’re looking for physical causes first.

That is a good sign - they're looking to fix the problem, not just supress the symptoms.

On the upside, it's fortunate that this was caught early. Hopefully she'll get the help she needs so that she won't be disadvantaged once she starts school.

So what exactly are the problems she's having? Do you know what the suggested therapy entails?