Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Products in Motion: Southpaw's Cocoon Swing

Dr. Catherine Hoyt OTD, OTR/L

In pediatric occupational therapy, we focus on participation in skills and activities appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child. We also have to consider what is important to our client; which in pediatrics is the child as well as the family.  Addressing the child's needs and the family's goals can sometimes be a challenge. The appropriate equipment can help us to foster adaptive responses to engage the child in play, the main occupation of children.

For one 4 year old child, John, his family really wanted him to be able to play with children his age doing typical pre-kindergarten activities such as finger painting, swinging, listening to music, attending large parties and eating treats. John is a happy, energetic and bright little boy, but some of these experiences caused him a lot of anxiety and he would say things like "I'm afraid I won't like it" or "I'm scared".   John was scared of going into any space that was at all dark or restrained his movement in any way.

We used the Cocoon Swing because it provided an experience where he was able to challenge himself while still feeling safe. The swing let him sit comfortably and have a bit of reduced lighting while still being able to see out.  The Cocoon Swing also let him experience a bit of pressure from the fabric of the swing but still have the flexibility to move his body.  The Cocoon Swing was a little scary to him at first, but he was able to manage that anxiety because it provides the just right amount of comfort by being able to see through the fabric and out the top. It also provided the deep pressure around his body, which was calming to him. It helped John develop the capacity to challenge his fears knowing that he is able to overcome them.  John continues to face challenging activities and he is still learning,  but this swing has helped us move forward in therapy.

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