I was shocked to see the prevalence of COVID 19 in the whole world in such a short span. Many people were affected severely mentally and physically
Suddenly I got to know that outpatient service will not see the patient face to face but we will conduct the telephonic consultation for the safety of the patients and their families. Every day I used to call our patient’s families and ask them how they are doing and used to give some strategies and advice over the phone and emphasis them to follow at home. It was going well for a few weeks but then families were not as happy as they would like to be.
The behaviour and sensory meltdowns were getting worst among kids and the reason was very much likely due to home confinement and the feeling of helplessness. Parents have no clue how to motivate kids at home effectively. Most of them were stressed out with many other shared responsibilities.
One day, I shared the idea with my husband about making videos with my son and sharing with the parents for their reference. Considering the situation, I kept my activities simple and can be done from the material easily available at home. This can be helpful for both parents and kids similarly. We made a series of videos and started sharing with parents.
Then we thought to keep all videos in one place and with this thought, we initiated a YouTube channel named “Kioskid” So far we are getting good response and also views are good.
The initial video responses motivated us to make more videos and continue sharing with them. Keeping this thought in mind of engaging kids at home happily, effectively, and therapeutically. Adding to the videos, I also started sharing some activities such as Snake & Ladder, Bingo Family game etc on my Facebook Page, which I custom designed for my patient`s earlier. The response was overwhelming, People really like it and I am poured with so many requests for the copies. So far, I have sent more than 300 emails in reply of their request.
We have 8 senses in our bodies: vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, proprioception, vestibular, and interception. Lifestyle changes related to COVID-19 may affect these senses, and lead to dys-regulation in our children. Dys-regulation can look like dis-tractability, meltdowns, anxiousness, aggression, or fatigue.
I understand the situation is very tough for those parents who need experts or specialist teams for their kids. Occupational therapy can do wonders in terms of creativity. When it’s about occupational therapy principal’s applicability and practicality, I believe we are not bonded within any boundaries as our area of application can be vast and some are yet to be discovered. The therapist needs to mould themselves with the situation and make arrangements accordingly as per the need of clients and availability.
I aim to enhance, enable, and empower young people’s participation in daily tasks by incorporating the sensory activities in their day to day life which will help in to adapt to the challenges they are facing today. Children with the poor skills and less abilities may have a difficult time doing everyday activities independently as a result of changes in their body image , thinking, or planning, and here we as an occupational therapist can make them independent by strategies, by proving home plan, sensory diet, and now with the help of tele-health we can engage them and keep the progress moving.
I believe our role is very crucial as most of the children are struggling with this state and getting anxious regularly. They need help from an Occupational therapist to work on their routine, gross motor activity, physical activity, play, fine motor skills, and sensory balance in their life to be happy and easy-going with the current scenario.
My YouTube Channel Link Kioskid
My Face book Page #losemindNOTHOPE
My Article at The OT-HUB
Author
Ms. Prerana Saini
Occupational Therapist – M.oth (Neurology)