Handout 17: Viewpoints: Marlissa's IEP
Marlissa's Aunt: One of the goals in Marlissa's IEP is for her to learn to dress herself, eat independently, and go to the bathroom by herself. I know that the different therapists are working on different things with her, but the big problem is that she still needs lots of help in these areas, and I think she feels bad about not being able to do things for herself. I think she's gotten worse since she started school: she cries when she has an accident, just stands there waiting for me or her cousins to dress her, and asks to be fed. I thought the therapy would fix things faster. What can we do?
Marlissa's Teacher: All the children spend lots of time on self-care activities. The children are encouraged to be independent, and are very proud of the skills they gain. Most of the children in Marlissa's class are toilet trained, though of course there are still accidents. We have been trying to help Marlissa in these areas, but she does get very upset when she has an accident, and she seems to be having more of them. I've also noticed that for the past few weeks Marlissa is spending more time watching other children, and she is more reluctant to engage in fine motor activities.
Speech and Language Therapist: If you remember from the IEP meeting, Marlissa's hearing is fine and she understands simple directions and identifies familiar objects and action pictures that I show her during our sessions. But she really does not speak unless asked a direct question, and I was hoping she would be talking more spontaneously by now. I'm wondering if she speaks more at home. I don't think my approach with her is working. I'm looking for ideas for helping Marlissa initiate more talking.
Occupational Therapist: I have to admit that I'm frustrated with only seeing Marlissa once a week for thirty minutes. By the time we get going on an activity, the session is over. I know that one of the important goals in her IEP is working on self-care activities, but I feel I should use my time with her to strengthen her right hand and encourage her to use both hands together. It's really important for her to adjust to the brace on her wrist, because it's preventing the muscles around her wrist from getting very stiff. If that happens, her hand will just get weaker and she will have even more problems later on.
Physical Therapist: Marlissa seems to be adjusting well to the brace on her right leg. I just want to remind everyone to keep checking that she doesn't develop any red marks on her skin where the brace might be rubbing too hard. I have been working with Marlissa on strengthening her balance and coordination, so that she feels more secure when she is doing all kinds of activities, including self-care. If we don't concentrate on strengthening her muscles now, she will have a harder time as she gets older.