Wilbarger and Speech Therapy

Starting the 2011-2012 school year September 1st. Clemmie is going to Watchdog and ESF Wu Kai Sha and Theo is going to French International School.

Clemmie's OT Ms. Wincy at Watchdog started us on the protocol because of Clemmie's sensory seeking and tactile defensiveness. She said to start with 6 sessions of brushing and compression every two hours. So far I put in 4 sessions each day during the weekends and I was able to put in 3 sessions today and probably for the rest of the school days I can at least put in 3 sessions.

It is very easy to do. Clemmie didn't like it very much at first, she wouldn't let me complete the brushing and compression. And everything takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

I go in a circle starting from the right hand, her back, left hand to left leg and ends on her left arm. I go back and forth with the brush, but if your child is too sensitive you should start with going one direction only.

I start by holding her by her right wrist with her right hand palm up and brush up the palm of the hand all the way to her upper arm and back down and do that 3 times then turn her right palm face down and brush all the way up and back down three times. Then cross over to her shoulder and hold her by the  to her back and do the W shape 3 times back and forth. Hold her left hand palm up and brush up and down the arm three times and then left hand palm down brush up and down three times. Then hold the left ankle as you hold the left wrist then let go of the left wrist as if you are continuing with the brushing down to her legs in the same manner then to the other leg.

Compressions that I do for Clemmie are her fingers and toes. Just pulling and pushing of the joints, then her shoulders and elbows by pressing on her shoulder awhile holding her elbow in a 90 degree angle. Same with her knees and ankles/heels by pressing down on her knees and holding her ankles/heels. Do those compressions 10 times at each.

I probably will probably update about Wilbarger brushing and compression in about a month to see what differences I have seen in Clementine.

And as for speech therapy, the director at French International School questioned our intention for Theodore, since he is going to a French school is English speech therapy that important? At this point I think any therapy is important especially with speech for Theodore. Would it be confusing for him to go to an English and a French speech therapy?? That I have no clue. I am willing to give it a shot.