Any OTs able to enlighten me?

[joanofarchitrave]

Hi, I'm currently doing an OT programme with some children but given the stretchedness of the local OT service have not actually met the therapist. The programme is lovely, no problems, and the children love it. But i wanted to ask someone what the activities designed to get children following something with their eyes without moving their heads are aiming at? Is this a way of improving their hand-eye co-ordination? I find it really interesting seeing the children trying to do this, they really do struggle with it.

bump

Hi isn't this for children to practice eye tracking that will later assist with reading

The exercises are designed to developed to dissociate eye movement from head movement. Its a developmental stage and children will attain this skill at different ages- so some will get it easily, some much later. They are also used to encourage crossing the midline. It IS a foundation skill for reading but is also used for tracking movement (e.g. following a ball coming towards you). Children who are having difficulties with this may be indicating other issues.