our 27 weeker is 19 months now.. she has global delays ( 6 - 9 mo level) she gets OT and speach twice a month. She started to sit and roll over at 13 months and crawl at 13.5 mos...Currently at 19 mos she is doing pretty much the smae gross motor stuff as she was at 13 .5 mos... (she has refined a few Fine motor skills ) She isnt walking yet and not able to stand unsupported.. she has a lot of toe pointing and sits in a W a lot.. we are trying to "break her of those habits" as the OT told us it wasnt good. I asked her if our daughter could benefit from PT as well and the OT told me that OT and PT are EXCACTLY the same for a child under 2 .. I asked her if her tone ( a lil low ) and other delays could be CP and she said A'bsolutely not.. there is NO way" she was quite dismissive of her delays and soffed me. I asked my daughters Ped about PT and her PED dissagrees with the OT's stance on OTvs PT and is now looking into finding a private PT seperate from the center where she gets other therapy.

My Ped isnt really that experianced in ex-micro preemies or kids with "delays" she is a wonderful dr... but 'special needs" kids are not her feild really...
.. I am glad she is on my side but I really want the opnion of another OT..?

Dear BarbieAnn:

Kirsten is just adorable :) First of all, it was inaccurate of your therapist to tell you that OT and PT are exactly the same for a child under 2 years of age. Yes, there is a lot of cross over in treatment that both disciplines cover, however, PT's specialize more in gross motor skills such as gait training and movement of larger muscle groups. OT's specialize more in function of the upper extremities, fine motor skills, sensory integration dysfunction, and activities of daily living. We are trained to treat the whole body though. Occasionally OT's will address some gross motor skills for younger infants.

Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis. It is not within the scope of practice for any therapist to diagnose a patient...that is a physician's job. I will tell you BarbieAnn, that it sounds as if Kirsten may have mixed tone (she has some joint laxity if she "w" sits, perhaps lower tone if she is unable to stand unsupported (poor trunk tone), and has tightened heel cords if she is pointing her toes (increased toned) which may be inhibiting her ability to walk. Your pediatrician is absolutely right. Kirsten should have a PT evaluation at least. She may need orthotics on her feet, which could help Kirsten be more mobile for walking. It sounds like she needs range of motion exercises/stretching for her lower extremities, but I am just going on what you are telling me. Please have her evaluated. Your "mama" instincts are typically right. Your pediatrician will refer Kirsten to a neurologist if she/he suspects CP. Please refer to them about a definitive diagnosis. I hope this helps :)

Robynne