Week 1: Entry 1

Today I was able to watch an initial assessment of a 6yr old girl performed by a senior physio.
Although I mainly was observing the developmental paeds assessment I still found it very beneficial. The child was referred by her school teacher who thought she may require physio and/or OT services to facilitate her gross and fine motor development skills.

I observed the various techniques used to assess a childs muscle strength, length, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. I assisted the therapist in some note taking but becuase am unfamiliar with a developmental paediatrics assessment I was unable to do much more than that.

I do feel that as I am being exposed to more children and the families (mainly mums) I am getting more comfortable with my communication skills and better confidently giving information to the parents. I think I am also improving in my communication with the children I am having contact with and learning the most appropriate strategies to build rapport with the child.

The child that was assessed today was not found to require extra physio services although did have deficiencies in coordination, muscle strength (especially core upper body and abdominal muscles) and motor planning. An OT assessment is still required and it is likely that more significant deficits may be found in her fine motor skills.

I think that today went very well and look forward to being able to have a more active role in assessments both subjective and objective.