Our Speech Therapist has recognized so many things, not the least of which being that Sonne has some muscle tone issues. In a conversation following his therapy that left me in awe of her insightfulness (Is that a word? It is now...) on the matter, she discussed the issues of sensory overload and low muscle tone, including the behavior issues that can present with both. It seems that a good bit of her knowledge comes from personal experience, yet I remain impressed. It is one thing to experience something, and so much more to take that experience and make a career of helping others.
She asked me if I had done anything with addressing my own sensory issues. I admitted that I had not. The therapist she put me in touch with needed a referral from my doctor before she could even begin, and frankly, I don't know if it is something my GP would typically handle. I suppose I could have tried, but honestly, at the time I was knee-deep in IEP stuff and Sonne's various needs, and I was last on my list of priorities. I did some of the brushing protocol on myself, and it did seem to help tremendously with my ability to touch metal, but it did squat for my severe and thus far lifelong aversion to paper. She pointed out that my particular sensory issues were difficult ones. She's right; imagine a simple trip to the mailbox including shuddering, mouth watering (I have no idea what that's about), teeth clenching, and repetitive wiping of hands on clothes to 'cancel' the sensation of having had to touch paper. Blech! Mostly, I send Logic Dad after the mail.
(Side note: Sonne's therapist sends his homework home in plastic sheet covers, the kind you use for spiral-bound reports. How cool is that!?)
Sonne definitely has muscle tone issues. I did not realize how this can affect a person all-around. I was also confused in thinking that low muscle tone meant poor muscle quality or lack of strength, but this isn't necessarily the case. It is something I am just beginning to understand, and I suspect Reese also has, if to a milder degree, similar hypotonia issues. I have noticed, with our speech therapist's suggestions for working on Sonne's speech at home, that Reese also does not regularly bring her lips together for words. She uses her teeth a lot of the time. So, I'm off to Big Lots to purchase some random, inexpensive toys to help encourage oral muscle use (bubbles they can blow, kazoos, whistles - which I am sure to regret). Reese has shown a great deal of interest in playing the flute, so we bought her a little recorder for the upcoming holiday. That, too, should be helpful.
I'm interested in your experiences with low muscle tone/hypotonia, and what has been most helpful. Please feel free to comment or e-mail me!
Mommy Guilt Redemption Eludes Me
2 hours ago
2 comments:
I most probably have nothing amazing to add here. 2 children at school have this problem and we work with them on a daily basis to help them strengthen and gain control ogf their muscles, but we are working with hand rather than mouth control.
However, we have a selction of squeezy toys, stretchy toys, simple wooden sewing, playdoh, silly putty, anything we see that we think might add variety to what is essentially and hand workout. They do 5 minutes a day with us at school and the same at home, with as many other opportunities to strengthen hands that we can casually fit in. They are both making huge strides in progress so whatever you do will have an impact.
My son also has mild hypotonia. His OT set him up with the brushing protocol, and joint compressions. That seemed to do nothing for him. I would love to hear more about the links between hypotonia and behavior issues!
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