Nazmeera Mahomed Occupational Therapist

03/03/2022

Hearing impairment can cause sensory integration dysfunction which can lead to complications with motor skills development.

Hearing impairment can be caused by
• Infections during pregnancy
• Infections in the middle ear
• Childhood infections
• Genetic factors
• Head trauma after birth amongst other reasons.

A diagnosis and consult with an audiologist is necessary before further treatment by an OT and additional professionals can be recommended.

The South African Association of Audiologists is so innovative and has introduced a brilliant FREE screening tool. To access, follow the link below:

http://www.audiologysa.co.za/whd

28/02/2022

Weighted blankets/Gravity blankets/Sensory blanket
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Have you heard of them? In OT, we primarily refer them for autistic children or those that have sensory challenges, such as proprioceptive dysfunction, and need regulation. The weight of the blanket, which is created by glass beads or cotton, allows for deep pressure to be applied which assists in regulating the sensory system. This provides a calming and soothing environment that the child requires to normalize their internal state so that they perform better at school and socially.
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Weighted blanket benefits have now extended past the paediatric therapy area and can be recognized as an amazing tool for adults as well. How? If you have difficulty sleeping or switching off from a busy or highly stimulating day.. this type of blanket could be beneficial. It provides deep pressure stimulation and has also been proven to have anxiety reducing properties. Studies have shown that the sensation it provides increases serotonin and melatonin levels in the body (all your feel good, healthy hormones)
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Because of the above benefits it assists in teaching a deeper state of sleep which means you wake up feeling calm, and well rested.
Like a giant feel good cuddle 🤗

15/02/2022

As OT's, our role is to ensure that the diagnosed patient is managed by adapting home, school and work environments to ensure their safety and diminish aggravating factors.
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For example, working at heights or balancing on scaffolding or beams as a window cleaner would need to do, would be contra indicated as it poses a relevant safety concern should the patient experience a seizure whilst working.
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A child at school who is known to experience seizures during warmer weather, would be limited in their play outdoors during breaktimes and would require protective clothing such as a hat and supervision. OT also has a role in educating and assisting families to adequately manage care of the person.
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I hope this was helpful 🌸

27/02/2020

Sitting is the new smoking 😲

Occupational Therapists are experts in work assessments and functional assessments to ensure that you are functioning at optimum whilst at work and home.

The above 👆 is an example of an amended work station after an OT comes in to your work place to correct and adapt the environment based on your needs, and physical functioning. Pretty cool huh?

30/10/2019

16/08/2019

Schools now teach the concept of "My body, My space" which has such merit for our little humans, as they grow and develop. Lets encourage and not enforce, allowing our children the comfort to set their own boundaries 👌

14/08/2019

Are you maintaining a healthy back? Read our previous post to make sure😁 👉 🤸‍♀️

22/07/2019

Want some simple ways to take care of your back?
Read above 👆 🤸‍♀️

07/04/2019

The Hand Writing Grasps Cheat Sheet! ✍
Recently I have been receiving so many questions from mums and teachers, about handwriting, the correct grips and grasps in accordance to specific age norms. And there seems to be so many misunderstandings and misconceptions 😬

So I thought I would just leave this here ☝️🖐
For more information, contact me, your OT, or refer to my Handwriting article a few posts down👇

28/03/2019

Does your little one sit in this way?
Read more about it 👆

08/03/2019

Happy International Womans Day!
Let us keep growing and glowing 💪👏