Occupational Therapy DVD for Parents

What I appreciate most about this DVD is that it gives credit to parents of special needs children that they're doing their homework, they're figuring out what works for their children and they're actively participating in their children's early intervention. Thank you for valuing our input! I emailed the OT on this DVD for her philosophy behind the DVD and her response was, "I may only see your child for an hour a week. It helps me and your child for you to participate and do these activities at home so that your child gets the best results."

The DVD covers a lot of sensory issues. My son has always disliked touching things like paint, glue, dirt, grass, etc. This DVD talks about and gives examples (with children) of different things to do to try and desensitize the child so that they can tolerate different textures.

There is a section on oral motor skills for children who have difficulty speaking, they may drool, or don't like having their teeth brushed. The section on auditory processing reminded me of Supernanny and just learning that the kids need to process information, keep your words simple and concise, don¡¦t give up and try to be patient. Stuff like that. There is another section that covers trampoline exercises and explains how and why this is helping your child. I had always wondered why the swing and trampoline are so good for children with special needs and now I know.

My son's OT has always told me to make an obstacle course at home. There is a section on this DVD "Organization of Behavior" that does this, shows kids at different levels going through the motions, and why and how this is helping. It's simple, however, those of you with kids like mine, NOTHING IS SIMPLEº

The Occupational Therapist, Britt Collins, is a pleasure to watch. She speaks in OT terms, which take a little getting used to, but also explains on a parent level.

One of the children on the DVD is a typical child and because I babysit my typical niece often, I was happy that this showed activities to do to have my son and niece interact. They're both getting therapy and don't even know it because it's fun stuff and we make it into games.

I've read a few OT books, and there are a few really good ones out there, but I liked watching and learning visually. It gave me confidence that I can do it too. It won't make me an OT, but it does help me help my child and that's all that matters. Thank you

Becky Rose