Occupational Therapist

Hi twin mommies

How many of you have taken your twins to an OT? If so, what was your experience like and did you find it useful?

I went to a SAMBA event a while back and the moms there were all talking about it and most had been to one. I made an appointment with the one that comes highly recommended and waited two months for an appointment.

We went this morning for our first evaluation. She said that she has picked up alot from watching them and the rather comprehensive questionnaire that I had to complete. Wade is definitely the dominant twin and Erin tends to use him as her mentor.

We are going again next week for a session.

Hi jo, is there a specific reason why you took them? like did you feel they were needing development in an area? Just curious? is it a twin thing? :-)

At the SAMBA event they said that if we have twins we should take them. It's all about sensory issues. Erin she hates walking on the grass and will stand and cry until you pick her up. She does not like to touch the sand. She hates having her hair washed as well as her nails cut. She screams when there are loud noises. If a dog suddenly starts barking or you put on a certain appliance. Wade on the other hand tends to zone out. He switches off and she says that it is sound overload. There is too much noise and he does not know on which sound to focus so it is easier to switch off. He goes into a type of trance. Often when children have eating issues we tend to think its just a stage or they don't like that type of food. It can be that they don't like the feel of that texture in their mouth or they don't know what to do with the food.

Someone said to me its mumbo jumbo but I dont want them to experience problems when they are older and it was something that I could have prevented if only I had taken action earlier.

At this stage the OT is trying to gain their trust so that they feel comfortable around her. She also got to see how they interact and watch Erin throw a tantrum. She was impressed with how Erin held her pen. She said that it is good for her age. Its lots of small things which they pick up which we take for granted.

I also asked her about baby language. Is it a good or a bad thing? She said that the speech therapists say that we should not use baby language "dudu, blankie, bottie, doggie, etc". Unfortuntely I do find myself using some of these words so must try and stop myself.

I always wanted to take Rach for her sensitive issues but I never did cos she has grown out of it.
I think they are awesome.

I am glad that she did. I just want piece of mind for myself that I have done everything possible so as not to put my children at a disadvantage later on in life.

I think that is great Joleen. I might still take her one day.

Jo thats so interesting... thanks for posting that! I would have never ever guessed!

also just wanted to say to you that i think its awesome that you are being proactive!

thanks Des - the things we learn as moms

Hi Joleen
I intend to take mine at the end of the year for a check up - a pead recommended to me that I take them especially because they were prem but said that 3 is a good age to do it.

I believe overseas there are much more comprehensive plans to follow-up multiples after birth and especially prems.

Pity it is not like that in SA

Hi Joleen,
Mine's been going since they were 6 months old. Carmen was and still is growing very slowly. She weighs 8kg at 22months. I am so glad i did that. They are doing great. Bjorn stopped now because he is fine, but Carmen also have a whole bunch of sensory issues... She goes every week and she loves it. She is even walking on grass bare foot now without screaming

gosh I never evn thought about it. I know of a singleton with sensory and loud noises issues. I just thought it was their perzsonality and who they are.

Connor is like Erin in that he hates being on sand and is fussy about food textures.

But at thier school is an OT and she keeps an eye on all of them (part of why we pay more). BUt I will ask her. Already they suggested the boys come to scool more often for longer so they interact with the other kids more.

Our pead said that most twins have a dominant twin but that our boys dont and it will lead to dififulties later with rivalry and constant fights to be on top.
But I thought they enjoyed playing with your kids Joleen particularly Wade. I wished we lived closer.

thanks for the feedback Elaine

@ Kerry - I wish we did to. Wade is definitely the dominant one. But it can also be a boy / girl thing

Bella wrote:

I believe overseas there are much more comprehensive plans to follow-up multiples after birth and especially prems.

True - they call it early intervention and check on the babies thoroughly to make sure they don't lag behind the singletons.

I have never even considered taking mine - I will hear what Dr S has to say at our next appt