Using a spoon and a fork are the beginnings of skilled tool use for children. It isn’t always easy.
For special needs kids, these skills can take time to develop. Sometimes, kids decide they will use their fingers or suck their meals from a pouch. They will let someone else cut their meat for them. They will eat from a single-serve container rather than pour themselves a bowl of cereal.
THIS HANDOUT PACK CAN CHANGE A CHILD”S LIFE.
REALLY.
Self-feeding is empowering and makes kids feel safe and in control. It is an essential life skill. It liberates kids and widens their sense of efficacy. But it isn’t “natural”. These skills have to be taught.
Are you a new therapist, or new to pediatric OT?
Grab a copy of Building Utensil Skills and make your life easier today. You get single-page handouts with sharp graphics and clear information to share with team members and parents. You will learn some of the best strategies and find the best equipment without attending an expensive seminar or buying a book filled with theory instead of solutions.
Are you the parent of a special needs child?
Buy this handout and learn WHY your therapist is recommending the tools or strategies they are using, and understand how utensil use progresses over time. You will be able to work more closely with your providers and perhaps even give THEM some suggestions!
Are you a special educator or a speech therapist?
This handout pack will answer some of your questions about positioning and grasp, and give you ideas for materials and activities that you can use in your sessions or lessons.
