As you know, all of the kids love the new Wii system. Destiny is especially fond of it. A month ago, it stopped working. It wouldn’t read any of the games. I was furious. I contacted Nintendo and complained. They sent me a prepaid Fed Ex label and told me to send it back to have it repaired. Today, we got the system back and eagerly opened it. There was a plastic bag attached to the system. In the bag was a “Destiny made” paper CD featuring mermaids and fairies and a note saying “found paper disk in disk driver, system uses real disks”. That entire b/c Destiny put paper in it. Nintendo must of  thought we were crazy. It was so funny!!! That’s our girl, making sure those high paid electronic techs are not bored.

I was asked to do a sensory group in one of the classrooms that I work in last week. A sensory group is when I bring sensory equipment in the classroom and teach the teacher and staff how to give the children sensory input. In this particular classroom, the children needed calming and organizing techniques. Instead of the bright overhead lights, we used lava lamps and fabric optic lights. We played soft classical music. I brought in a large therapy ball and explained how to facilitate calming movement by slowing bouncing the child on top for a limited amount of time. I also showed them how to roll the ball over the child’s back to provide deep pressure input. The kids loved being “squished” by the ball. I also brought in a Body Sock and weighted blanket so the kids can curl up and receive pressure input. The staff learned so much and now they can utilize these strategies throughout the day. If the children receive the right amount of sensory input, their attention and ability to focus will be significantly better. These activities should only be given if under supervision of an occupational therapist.

Well, we got some very exciting news last week. Destiny is moving on to a lesser restrictive school program. During her annual IEP meeting, it was clear that Destiny needed a more appropriate peer group so she could model more positive behaviors. Destiny also needs to be in a more academically focused program. So they recommended the STRIVE program at GIS. I was in full agreement. Destiny has made significant gains this school year. I was happy to hear her read a word before and now she is reading sentences out of books. It’s incredible. Of course, Destiny will have to make a big adjustment. She has been in the same program for 3 years. But I’m sure she will get through this transition. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments!!!!