Pediatric Occupational Therapy And Interactive Metronome Therapy

Occupational therapists (also known as OTs) help children develop functional independence in all activities of daily living (ADLs). Along with motor planning and coordination, pediatric OTs may address sensory integration disorders, cognitive challenges, attention deficits, handwriting and academic weaknesses that all contribute to successful life skills. Interactive Metronome is one tool occupational therapists may use to tackle these weaknesses. Interactive Metronome, also referred to as IM, addresses one neurological foundation for these skills, temporal processing (also known as timing in the brain). To learn more about IM and other treatments provided through occupational therapy Murphy families can visit speechandot.com.

Early intervention is so important when a child has neurologically based deficits. Pediatric occupational therapists strive to build in practice for treatment goals in fun ways so a child internalizes learning. Repetition is important for strengthening the neurological system, so any activity that captures a child's attention and also reinforces motor learning coupled with repetition will lead to better treatment outcomes. IM provides these aspects of meaningful treatment using engaging computer game visuals paired with attention to auditory cues. A child chooses a personally motivating theme such as fairy land or trucks. The captivating games are designed to grab a child's interest. Once a child becomes involved with the games, Interactive Metronome provides feedback which shapes a child's responses and improves temporal functioning of the brain. Consistent treatment will typically yield improvement in:

AttentionBalanceBilateral CoordinationFine and Gross Motor SkillsMotor Planning & SequencingSequencing for ADLs & IADLsSelf-Monitoring & Self-ControlSensory Integration*

*from interactive metronome.com

For clients interested in the IM treatment process, an IM assessment is completed as part of a full occupational therapy evaluation. Performance on the IM assessment determines the starting level for the program. The child then moves through program levels based on feedback from the system, which records the percentages for each goal in each treatment session. Consistent treatment is important for success. An occupational therapist may also address goals through other activities, based on the outcome of the full evaluation. Occupational therapy is covered my many private insurance plans and Medicaid.

Midge Ross, OTR, has received advanced training as a certified Interactive Metronome provider for the Murphy area. She is also certified as a provider for IMHome. Pediatric Occupational therapists use many strategies and tools to help their clients meet their greatest potential, with IM being just one great research based tool. For pediatric occupational therapy, Murphy families can contact Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas at 972-424-0148. IM is also available at our Frisco location.

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speech andot has published 3 articles. Article submitted on August 17, 2013. Word count: 414

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