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Subject: [OANDP-L] Autistic child – fine motor control
A friend of mine has an autistic child and asked for advice. I would = appreciate any suggestions:
“I’m hoping there’s already a device out there that you may know about. = Here’s the situation, and it’s analogous to a stroke victim who wants to resume oil painting. =20
My 7 year old son is autistic and has fine motor control problems. He = does not have good arm control, and yet being non-verbal, he needs to point to letters to communicate. When I present him with three rows of = letters, as on a keyboard, he can only do it accurately if I hold his upper arm, acting as a damper on his movement. Arm weights don’t help = him much because they’re inelastic and only work to dampen movement in one dimension. Is there anything you’ve seen or know someone who might = know someone who has seen it? Maybe it’s for Parkinson’s or stroke patients or another condition?”
Thanks,
John Rheinstein, C.P.
Here are the replies:
Try contacting Michael Rosen for advice. At one time he was a leading = researcher in the field of upper extremity tremor and worked on devices = to damp out tremor. Michael J. Rosen, Ph.D. Director, Rehabilitation = Engineering Service, Director, Assistive Technology & Neuroscience = Research Center, Director, NIDRR Rehabilitation Engineering Research = Center on Telerehabilitation, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 = Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 2010-2949, 202-877-1960 , [email protected]=20
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What about the Rancho Los Amigos mobile arm supports. Inquire with the = Rancho Orthotics dept. You may be able to use the parts and create a = solution. Just a thought?
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How about using an arm cuff, attached to a larger circumference frame = such as PVC type pipe 2″ wide with rubber bands attached in spoke fashion to the cuff. The frame could be attached to a vest or wheelchair (if = applicable).
This would provide for adjustable 3 dimensional dampening.
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Has anyone tried a Balanced Forearm Orthosis which may provide improved = proximal control and stability. Just a thought.
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Somewhere I remember seeing a PT tool that consisted of a vest with=20 attachments for bungee cords that could be adjusted in their tension to=20 balance such problems. I have no idea what it was called though.
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You could try and order something custom from Benik, they make a variety = of custom neoprene garments. You could encompass your son’s upper arm = and shoulder and then use neoprene or elastic straps to “dampen” the = unwanted movement patterns. Almost like a shoulder stabilization = orthosis for CVA or chronically unstable shoulders.
Good Luck, and let me know what you come up with.
