Aim

To work with the paediatric physios,to complete an intensive holistic course of treatment for the children which treat the whole body.

To assess whether this treatment has a better result than a longer treatment which is less intensive.

Methodology

Children were assessed using the MABC scoring system for the dyspraxia. Orthoptically they were assessed on vision, stereopsis and saccades.

Treatment which included trampolining, catching a ball and eye exercises for saccades was done each day for 8 weeks in the summer holidays.

Results

Evaluation

There was a small number of children involved in the study and statistically the results were good but not conclusive in all areas.

There was definite improvement shown but it requires a large number of staff to do this intervention.

The improvement in saccades was important for the reading skills and all children showed an improvement in their reading ages.

Reflection

Screening for dyspraxia needs to be done where problems exist with reading.

Further action

The Orthoptic assessment of children with dyspraxia is continuing but in the clinic.

There is a need for an increase in awareness in the Physiotherapy department as to the role of the Orthoptist, this will be done by arranging training sessions.