Miscellaneous
Which discipline is primarily focused on school simulation and use of school based strategies?
What is...Occupational Therapy (OT)
Name 3 coping strategies your child can use at their desk.
using putty
Seated stretch
Drink water
Deep breathing
Thinking strategy i.e. This is helping me change my nerves!
True or False: Your child will be excused from participating in physical education class because of their chronic pain condition.
False
If your child texts you at school and says "my coping strategies aren't working I've already tried my keep moving plan, I just can't be here anymore. Can you come pick me up?"....What do you do?
1. DONT text back!
2. Validate that school is hard,encourage them that they are working hard, using coping strategies is the treatment, and/or going home won't help them long term and isn't an option
Where should your child complete their homework in order to maintain the best ergonomic seated position?
What is... at a table/counter top seated in a chair with feet flat i.e. NOT on the couch/in bed.
Name 3 natural movement strategies your child can use in their classroom without leaving.
What is..
Sharpen a pencil
Pass out papers
Throw something away
Why does your child participate in school simulation?
To practice using active coping strategies and practice using individualized plans created in order to support carry over of active vs passive management while at school.
Your child won't get out of bed for school. Name 2 things you could do to support them in staying on track (hint either in the moment or long term)
1. Offer to help with distraction/other coping strategies/plans
2. Give time reminders
3. Provide rewards ahead of time i.e. if you can get to school on time every day this week... we can go out to eat this weekend! OR
consequences in the moment i.e. if you don't go to school I will have to take your phone for the day
Name 2 barriers that could impact school participation other than pain.
Fear of being behind with school work (having to catch up)
Fatigue (feeling tired/sleepy)
Difficulty waking up in the morning
....
What is a School Management Plan?
We most often recommend that your child fully returns to school after the PPRC instead of a gradually reintegrating. Why is this the case?
By the end of your child's admission, they will have been attending the PPRC all day every day, and will have engaged in simulated school. Sometimes, gradually reintegrating leaves more room for anxiety!
You are cooking dinner and your child is completing their homework nearby. You notice they are struggling with pain, but they are being productive. What should you do?
What is... Nothing! They are being productive and doing what they are expected to do despite pain.
You could provide praise after completion-> i.e. I saw you working hard, I am proud of you for getting all your work done!
What is the 90-90-90 rule?
What is.. your seated position! Hips, knees and feet/ankles should all be at 90 degrees.
A plan to be used when your child is experiencing an increase in pain or related symptoms. Typically the plan takes 10-15 and is a series of individualized coping strategies identified by your child. The goal of the plan is to be used and upon completion, return to the activity at hand.
When should your child be permitted to go to the nurse’s office?
When they have an acute injury/symptom. I.e. they got a scrape/cut at recess or gym class, has a fever or
Your child did not complete their science fair project last night or tonight because they reported significant increase in pain. They are extremely upset and anxious about telling their teachers and getting a bad grade. What should you NOT do?
Excuse them, ask for an extension, call teachers/school-- Allow for natural consequences
Your child’s backpack weighs a ton! What percentage of their body weight should your child’s backpack actually be?
What is... 10-15% of their body weight. Any items that are large and can't fit/make a backpack too heavy can be carried in hands.
How do you know if a coping strategy is working?
If your child is participating in the activity at hand, and/OR maintaining a calm body while participating in a challenging activity.
We most often recommend that your child fully returns to school after the PPRC instead of a gradually reintegrating. Why is this the case?
By the end of your child's admission, they will have been attending the PPRC all day every day, and will have engaged in simulated school. Sometimes, gradually reintegrating leaves more room for anxiety!
You see your child struggling to complete homework, i.e. they are completing other tasks first, staring at the paper, or complaining of pain, what should be your first response?
Acknowledge it appears they are having a hard time, and encourage the use of coping strategies including natural breaks.