YOUR
TO SAVINGS AND EVENTS
Motor Planning Disorder When a child is diagnosed with a motor planning disorder, it means that he or she has difficulty planning and carrying out a motor act in the correct sequence. Typically, when a child or adult engages in a familiar motor act, the planning and carrying out of the action occurs habitually without any conscious thought. According to North Shore pediatric therapy in Chicago, motor planning difficulties are caused by sensory processing problems and poor neural connections in the brain. Poor motor planning is not limited to gross physical actions, but can manifest in fine motor and oral actions as well (handwriting and forming words, for example). Motor planning disorders impact several aspects of one’s life, and it is important that the issue is addressed with a professional. Occupational therapists can help children learn how to properly respond to sensory input by having them engage in various activities that require sequencing. A great way for children to practice mental planning, is doing an arts and crafts projects. During the activity, the therapist can ask the child before each step what he or she thinks comes next. Overtime, the therapist should gradually make the activity more challenging as the child’s planning skills improve. For example, overtime the therapist will give less prompts/cues before each step, requiring the child to complete the activity more independently. In addition to practicing mental planning, therapists will often create obstacle courses that require both mental planning, and the actual carrying out of coordinated physical movements. Another way to promote motor planning is to encourage children to think of new activities, or a new way to use a certain toy. Thinking about how an activity can be done, certainly requires motor planning and is a great way for children to practice this skill. Major improvements in motor planning can be achieved with the help of occupational therapists! Occupational Therapy is now available for children and adults at 5327 18th Avenue and at 1130 44th street. Please call our new phone number: 718-831-2333 to schedule an appointment. Male and Female therapists, as well as Yiddish-speaking therapists are available. Early morning, late night as well as Sunday appointments available. Home visits available for patients with Medicare. All other insurances accepted, including United Healthcare Community Plan.
60
3/8/17
SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE WEEKLY LINK
WWW.WEEKLYLINK.COM
347.787.1838