I talked to the OT this past weekend regarding the brushing for Jason for the SI.

She said it should be in slow movement in one direction (not up and down or zigzag). A baby hair brush (soft) she said works fine...BUT, after the brushing you need to do a stretch between the joints.

Brushing she said should only be done at the back, arms and legs.

Hope this helps....(the OT is also looking into getting Jason a compression vest thru public aid!)

Thanks for sharing the information! It sure does help. I understand that brushing helps to reset their nervous system and many have much success with it. I hope you do, so keep us informed as I am thinking of begining this with Iain.

As far as the vest goes... :smt041 It is about time someone is working on getting this for you! Not like you can just open up the Sears catolouge and order one...

the OT is also looking into getting Jason a compression vest thru public aid!)
Fantastic, Jane. I hope you get one and most importantly that it helps.

I never did tell you about those helpful catalogues I said we had recommended in our book:

here they are:

one is SuperDuper Publications
sorry, not sure of their website
Fun education materials

the other is
Sammons Preston
www.sammonspreston.com (http://www.sammonspreston.com)

hope this info helps. It has been awhile since we wrote our book and I don't actually remember what was in this stuff, but I know I thought it was good! LOL my memory is fading the older I get...

best wishes
Jean

I hope the brushing works for Jason. My daughter's OT had tried it with her early on, but it just didn't work for her... but I have talked to other moms who said it worked great for their kid. Just depends on the child. Good luck!

And so glad to hear the OT is working to get the compression vest thru public aid. I tried to get James' covered by insurance, but that was a no go. I just sucked it up and just have to remind myself it will help him. Whoever said kids were cheap...

Keep us posted!

Children are definitely NOT cheap!! If the twins were all 'officially and legally' mine, I wouldn't mind spending the $$ for these types of items. But, if the state is supposed to cover these items for 'medical necessity', then I am going to make sure that they get it.

The social worker stated she is amazed that I push for things to make sure that the twins are properly taken care of. She stated that a lot of foster parents are in it for the money (how can you support kids on about 250 a month...diapers, clothes, wipes, food (except formula)?) I've already spent more monthly on these 2 than I've received for their care.

Jason is still tensing up his back muscles when the brush comes in contact with him...so we will see how things go for the next few weeks. Will keep y'all updated.

Brushing was really helpful for my son but our OT showed us to do it a little differently. It was in both directions, rapidcly (back and forth) firmly. Arms, back and legs, never the tummy or face. We had to do it every 2 hours in the beginning. You can get the brushes for about a dollar online

This place has them for 1.50

http://abilitiescenter.chainreactionweb.com/advanced_search_result.php?osCsid=2aa4a8b3ef45cc2d f7ddc4f8d71ac9b7&keywords=brush&osCsid=2aa4a8b3ef45cc2df7ddc4f8d71ac9b7

This place has them 10.50 (I think?) but you get 10.

http://www.southpawenterprises.com/store/ot-brushes,Product.asp

Maybe there are different techniques due to different 'symptoms'. Jason has a very sensitive, yet tight muscle tone in his arms and back. So far, I havent' really noticed any improvement of any sort, but will still continue for awhile before talking to the OT again about it.

They will be ordering him a compression vest so hopefully that will be the item that will help.

I was thinking maybe there are different techniques for different symptoms too. It would make sense.