A training package developed by two NHS occupational therapists, which helps to identify and support children with sensory motor difficulties, is being extended to the rest of Scotland after a successful trial in Dumfries and Galloway schools.
The Let’s Move package, which includes a manual, DVD and 40 therapeutic activity cards, has been used with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, developmental co-ordination disorder and other developmental conditions.
It has now, with the help of Scottish Health Innovations (SHIL), been commercialised with a private-sector partner, Glasgow design company Midgibyte Creations.
“The idea is to enable therapists, school staff, parents and carers to work with children at various ages to identify potential problems, but also to intervene quickly to help those children to gain confidence, work together in groups, and to improve their motor skills,” said Clare Kettlewell, a paediatric occupational therapist who designed the therapy package along with her colleague, Karen Craig.
Paul McStay, the former Celtic and Scotland international footballer who owns Midgibyte Creations, said: “This is an educational programme which helps children to improve their skills and gain confidence. As the creative partner for Let’s Move, our task was to develop a user-friendly resource using video, animation and graphics to empower educators.”
E: Helen.corner@shil.co.uk; T: 0141 248 7334.
