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Kids health information

The Kids health information package aims to be a practical, user-friendly and time-efficient resource for therapists to use in conjunction with an occupational therapy program. The package consists of information and activity idea sheets that are based on collective evidence-based clinical experience and current resources and journals. The package uses a standardised format and illustrations are used to enhance the understanding of the information. The activity ideas are practical and fun and many can be incorporated into everyday tasks. It is intended that individual therapists will highlight the specific activities that are most suitable for each child and emphasis the correct way to do the activities.  Home program sheets are also included in the package.

Information sheets

• Developing a pencil grip  (PDF 168KB 5pg)
• Hand preference  (PDF 151KB 6pg)
• Prewriting skills  (PDF 240KB 6pg)
• Pencil pressure   (PDF 71KB 2pg)
• In-hand manipulation   (PDF 122KB 4pg) 
• Low muscle tone    (PDF 128KB 4pg)
• Shoulder stability and control    (PDF 121KB 3pg)
• Activity ideas to develop arm co-ordination, strength and endurance  (PDF 108KB 1pg)
• Hand and finger strength   (PDF 178KB 6pg)
• Hand and finger strength – Adolescents  (PDF 171KB 4pg)
• Playdough and exercise putty   (PDF 133KB 4pg)
• Encouraging young babies to use their hands  (PDF 105KB 3pg)
• Encouraging older babies to use their hands (PDF 110KB 3pg)
• Encouraging toddlers to use two hands (PDF 150KB 4pg)
• Encouraging preschool children to use two hands  (PDF 148KB 4pg)
• Encouraging school children to use two hands  (PDF 197KB 4pg)
• Splints  (PDF 45KB 1pg)
• Pressure garments  (PDF 45KB 1pg)
• Scar management  (PDF 101KB 4pg)
• Hand exercises  (PDF 53KB 1pg)
• Thumb exercises  (PDF 63KB 1pg)
• Finger exercises    (PDF 50KB 1pg)
• Finger stretches  (PDF 52KB 1pg)
• FDP tenolysis exercises  (PDF 54KB 1pg)
• FDS tenolysis exercises  (PDF 54KB 1pg)
• Supination exercises  (PDF 58KB 1pg) 
   
• Home Program  (PDF 101KB 4pg)

Acknowledgements

The Kids health information package is a result of a collaborative effort of occupational therapists primarily working at the Royal children's Hospital. Specifically, the following occupational therapists are acknowledged for their contribution:

• Lindy Johnson
• Sue Greaves
• Diedre Rundle
• Barbara Scoullar
• Kathy Newton
• Josie Duncan
• Simone West
• Robyn Batram
• Joy Olsen
• Jane Galvin
• Jan Mathes
• Lin Oke
• Trina Phuah