Autistic child - replies

Autistic child - replies

John Rheinstein

6/21/2004

-----Original Message-----


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.

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 Address Redacted>

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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
attachments for bungee cords that could be adjusted in their tension to
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.

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