An OT Moment

So most of you guys probably know that I'm studying to become an occupational therapist. What an occupational therapist does... just ask me in person if you want to know (it will take me some time =P)

Anyhow, I totally had an OT moment (better than a Kodak moment) today and wanted to share it! So I work at this academy called Reading Town where I tutor children in English and math either one-to-one or two-on-one. I had this one student in kindergarten for the past few weeks. As I have been learning more about pediatrics at school, I've come to notice that he may have some sensory issues. He puts things like eraser, tissue, his hand, etc. in his mouth constantly and displays some behavioral problems. So being an OT student, I tried some strategies I've seen/learned at fieldwork to help him with his behavior problems. I would make him jump up and down if he was getting really tired/unfocused, then he would BURST up with energy. So definitely this kid has sensory issue and is highly sensory seeking (sorry for all the terminology ionno how else to explain it concisely). Anyhow, so afterwards I was telling my boss about his behaviors and she told me that he had the same issue during the summer session and that his mom is actually planning on getting him evaluated. I tried to explain what the cause of his behaviors may be and when his mom came in, the boss asked me to explain to her what I had explained. So I did. And his mom was telling me that she's been noticing his abnormal behaviors and that has heard from a teacher that he may have sensory issues, but she didn't quite understand why. So I tried to explain to her as much as I can within my scope of knowledge and she nodded saying it makes sense. And at the end of the conversation, she burst in tears in saying that it was reassuring to hear me explain this to her because she just had absolutely no clue before! And of course I teared up a little. She thanked me for letting her know and giving her even a little strategy in giving him some sensory input. And honestly, at first I was hesistant about letting her know because some parents are very sensitive and would rather not hear from others that their kid has a problem. But this lady was so grateful and was planning on taking him to get tested.

And yeahhhhh... It was such a blessing to be able to share the little I know to make someone else feel more at ease, to be used in a way that I didn't think I was capable of. I definitely am so blessed to be pursuing a career that I find passion and love for! Thank God for leading me to this path. Lord, please use me to be a blessing to others as You have blessed me with this wonderful gift.