Suggestions

Permission for Use

Special Needs Child

Opening Viewpoints

Parent: Ben is a wonderful boy with lots of energy. It has been a challenge to keep up with him because he wants to do things for himself. We really want him to be with other children his age, but we are afraid they won't understand him and he will get frustrated or that they will treat him like a baby and try to do too much for him.

Physical Therapist: It is wonderful to see this little fella ambulating. The AFOs position his feet so he has a more stable base of support, but I will need to monitor them and train the school staff on how the orthosis should fit. Ben's safety in walking throughout the school building, classroom, and playground will be a concern due to his significant startle reflex, his strong ATNR, and his speed in ambulating. I will spend some time following him in his regular routine to determine what environmental changes or personal assistance he needs.

Special Educator: Ben acts like such a happy child. We are looking forward to having him in our school. He needs to be included within a classroom of his peers. I will arrange to meet with the Title I preschool teacher to offer the assistance she might need to include him in her classroom, but I will need the support of the therapists to do this.

Occupational Therapist: It will be exciting to work with Ben because he is so determined to be independent. The preschool classroom will be ideal to work in because the teacher structures the environment and curriculum to facilitate exploration and social interaction. She is also open to our adapting equipment, activities, and the environment to allow Ben to be as independent as possible.

Speech/Language Specialist: Ben is a very social little boy who is just bursting with ideas that he wants to share. He is struggling to make himself understood and it will be exciting to facilitate his expressive language abilities with his peers. Since Ben has a programmable augmentative communication device, I will need to work with the teachers and therapists to evaluate his use of it here at school.