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wrapping up VT


amazzie
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Hello! First of all, I have to say I am so happy that my son has finally been able to have VT. He has been going twice a week for 2 months and it has helped him a lot. No more headaches when reading and more patience are 2 positive benefits. He can also read small print and his handwriting come much easier. They have not sent anything new home, other than more complicated Bal-A-Vis-X exercises, for about a month. He has "goaled out" of many things, the Hart Chart, the Beads and String, etc, and I think he has progressed faster than they expected.

 

In session, he is mostly just working on the computer programs to further work on his convergence and eye teaming, at least this is what I think the computer work is doing. I know it is still a bit of a struggle for him to keep his eyes working together at VT, but at home he seems to do fine. I am wondering if it is helpful to keep on going, and if the continued strengthening is needed. I also wonder if he is pretty much just doing computer stuff if that is something he can finish out at home. He does really enjoy the Bal-A-Vis-X and I know I can buy the book to go on with that. 

 

They predicted him needing 4-5 months and dh thinks they will drag things out just to keep getting paid. What do you think? How do you know when it is time to end VT...should I just go along with their expensive program? Now that he is in, I want him to get the full benefit, but I don't want to go unnecessarily.

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They may very well drag it out for the money, but keep in mind that frequently VT benefits can fade over time if not kept up long term.  

 

This isn't the best analogy but it is kind of  like studying really hard for an exam over a fairly short period of time (cramming) then not really doing anything with that knowledge in any depth for an extended period.  The knowledge starts to fade, becomes harder to access with any efficiency and parts get lost or misremembered.  But if you study for that exam and keep reviewing that material periodically afterwards the information stays pretty well, and eventually becomes easy to access even if you haven't used the knowledge in a while.  

 

Or maybe the better analogy would be learning how to swim.  You used to swim but you had terrible technique.  You learned some really bad habits that are now ingrained.  You start lessons to learn how to properly swim, you have to unlearn your previous way of doing things which is hard, but you do begin to developing muscle memory for the proper swim strokes, you are doing well, but you haven't been at it very long....then you quit lessons altogether and while you swim for fun periodically you aren't working on honing and solidifying your newly learned skills.  Muscle memory was never fully established  for the new way of doing things so over time certain skill sets get lost or are being done incorrectly, you slip back into older, more established patterns and it is the incorrect version that eventually gets reestablished.  Does that make sense?

 

 I am not saying that your child needs a ton of additional VT at an expensive facility.  I just know that the benefits can fade over time if the skills are not fully established and reinforced.

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That's great that he's making such fast progress!!!  And yes, BalavisX is terrific.  Also look into Focus Moves (ebook on amazon).  Our OT recommended both to us and both have been useful.  They're totally different.  The BalavisX book has a lot of theory and huge print.  Did your place photocopy the exercises or teach you?  There are discrete lists, so if you've seen them and done them that's all there is, kwim?  (Don't imagine it as more than it is.)  

 

Is your place going to work on visual processing next?  They're doing such a great job so far, I assume they will.  Ask, definitely.  Our place did them as separate stages but some places do them together.  (accommodative and processing)  We spent as long on visual processing as accommodation.

 

I'm pretty brash, so I'd be upfront with them.  Your gains are making new pathways.  If your results fade, you may need an OT eval.  People who have VT not stick can have other things getting in the way.  Since they're up on BalavisX, they probably know about that.

 

How much are you paying ahead?  Are you able to stop when your progress stops?

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We had evaluations every six weeks to see what was sticking, what needed more work, etc.--some kids go through a typical progression, and other kids, like my son, often just need a brain nudge in the right direction along with good practice at home. Our VT had a bunch of kids all start new therapy within a couple weeks of my son, and as they progressed, the timeline for each child varied along the way. My son's convergence issues/accomodative issues were mild, and he worked really hard at home. They knew he wouldn't be a full course, but the weren't sure how much he would need. I think he was done in less than 12 weeks, but he was rock solid at the end. He does do a couple of basic exercises to be sure he's not losing the skill, but nothing major. There were entire skills he didn't need therapy for, and so they didn't work on those things (he had a few areas of really high visual motor development along with the convergence issues). He worked very hard at home, and they told us that homework compliance is one of the best ways to ensure long-term retention and a smooth pace through the therapy itself. 

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They have taught us the Bal-A-Vis-X exercises. The latest one is really hard for us to do, we keep losing our balls. It's 2 balls thrown across to the other person who is also throwing 2 balls. I find throw poorly when I am trying to also catch at pretty much the same time. I also haven't mastered the solo 2 ball bouncing thing! My son is better at that than I am.

 

I will check out the Focus Moves and try to talk in more detail with the VT  this week. They kind of act mysterious, which I am sure is not on purpose, but it's all old news to them and I kind of get the impression that most parents aren't as interested in the details. And we are not paying ahead. They do offer discounts, the more you pay upfront, the cheaper it is overall but we went with the pay as you go option. I totally want ds to get the full benefit of VT but at the same time the cost and time commitment are issues, too. Overall, I am so happy with how he is doing and it's great that finally someone was able to diagnose and help him! This office was the 3rd place we went which claimed to do VT, but now that I've seen what they do, I don't think the other ones were really doing VT at all. 

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p. 111-139

 

readiness exercises-4

bag exercises, individual--11

Adv bag exer for indivd-2

bag exerci for partners-20

adv bag exerci for partners-8

ball exercises for indivd-22

adv ball ex for indivd--34

ball exe for partners--28

adv ball ex for partners-32

ball for group-6

adv ball for group-8

 

also rhythm, tracking, midline, focus exercises

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That's great that he's making such fast progress!!!  And yes, BalavisX is terrific.  Also look into Focus Moves (ebook on amazon).  Our OT recommended both to us and both have been useful.  They're totally different.  The BalavisX book has a lot of theory and huge print.  Did your place photocopy the exercises or teach you?  There are discrete lists, so if you've seen them and done them that's all there is, kwim?  (Don't imagine it as more than it is.)  

 

Is your place going to work on visual processing next?  They're doing such a great job so far, I assume they will.  Ask, definitely.  Our place did them as separate stages but some places do them together.  (accommodative and processing)  We spent as long on visual processing as accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

I've never heard of BalavisX nor Focus Moves (is that the same as S'Cool Moves) until reading this post. My dd has had VT for several years now and neither were mentioned.  Are these things you can buy a book or go to a website and figure out on your own?

 

Just wondering...

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The BallavisX website has some exercises. We are just dipping our toe into it now, but it's a nice place to see what the philosophy is and to see some basic exercises. It's nice to see a first-person demo as well--our OT was showing us how with the beanbags and racquetball, you hear a distinct sound that reinforces the rhythm of the movements. 

 

Our VT didn't use either of these programs, but she did use a lot of things that worked on similar skills--some therapy stuff, some things she picked up as games to reinforce therapy stuff. It was pretty eclectic (and effective!).

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The BallavisX website has some exercises. We are just dipping our toe into it now, but it's a nice place to see what the philosophy is and to see some basic exercises. It's nice to see a first-person demo as well--our OT was showing us how with the beanbags and racquetball, you hear a distinct sound that reinforces the rhythm of the movements. 

 

Our VT didn't use either of these programs, but she did use a lot of things that worked on similar skills--some therapy stuff, some things she picked up as games to reinforce therapy stuff. It was pretty eclectic (and effective!).

 

I like this idea, checking this method out and seeing how it all works. The reason I was pondering incorporating this into my dd's VT (at home) is that I am wondering if her issue with sports (not liking them when she was younger) was based on her visual issues prior to VT.  Now that she has some VT under her belt and no longer has double vision and headaches, etc. she is interested in sports so I thought this might be a cool way to work on her hand-eye coordination and build her confidence.

 

What is the big difference between  BallavisX and Focus Moves (Is that the same as S'Cool Moves -- I ended up there when I clicked on a link for Focus Moves & I just wanted to make sure I headed in the right direction :-)?

 

Thanks for everyone's help.  I LOVE this forum.  It has helped me with so many things!!!!   :001_smile:

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I like this idea, checking this method out and seeing how it all works. The reason I was pondering incorporating this into my dd's VT (at home) is that I am wondering if her issue with sports (not liking them when she was younger) was based on her visual issues prior to VT.  Now that she has some VT under her belt and no longer has double vision and headaches, etc. she is interested in sports so I thought this might be a cool way to work on her hand-eye coordination and build her confidence.

 

What is the big difference between  BallavisX and Focus Moves (Is that the same as S'Cool Moves -- I ended up there when I clicked on a link for Focus Moves & I just wanted to make sure I headed in the right direction :-)?

 

Thanks for everyone's help.  I LOVE this forum.  It has helped me with so many things!!!!   :001_smile:

 

My son is much more likely to try sports stuff now that he's had VT. I don't remember if it's this thread, but his swimming also improved drastically after VT from the midline exercises. But, convergence therapy helped a great deal with anything that involved balls moving through space. 

 

We have some friends with a Focus Moves DVD, and it looks like the program has renamed itself (can't remember what is the new vs. old name right now). I hope to get my hands on a DVD, but I want to be sure it's pretty much the same thing first. I have not used S'Cool moves. I suspect they are similar, but I think one focuses on down regulating for emotional control, and the other focuses on attention arousal. Clear as mud, I am sure. :-)

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I've never heard of BalavisX nor Focus Moves (is that the same as S'Cool Moves) until reading this post. My dd has had VT for several years now and neither were mentioned.  Are these things you can buy a book or go to a website and figure out on your own?

 

Just wondering...

Neither of these is technically VT but more in the province of OT that uses vision.  It's cool that someone's VT was bringing them in, but they're not traditional or necessary and their absence does not mean you had bad VT.

 

Focus Moves is a $10 ebook on amazon.  If you *buy* the ebook, pm me and I'll share what I made.

 

Focus Moves is really fascinating in its variety.  It's all midline work, so just doing that sorta gets the brain in gear and more focused.  Any time you improve muscle tone then proprioception you're improving how aware they are of their body in space.  It just has lots of rollover effects.  (language, how they sit, etc.)  To me they're just basic, reasonable tasks and all good.  When you see them improve it's good.  I really haven't been so picky as to need specific life changes to feel like the effort was validated.  Just that they were reasonable tasks that improved with effort seemed good enough to me.  But I'm on a really strong cough syrup and a little loopy.  :D

 

BalavisX *I* find hard to implement.  It's neat stuff and was THE THING that got my ds able to wipe himself at age 6.  I'm just admitting I can't even do most of it.  I'm a little neurologically messed up, clearly, lol.  When we get the scholarship (fingers crossed!) then I'll have funding for more OT and will let her do it.  It just wasn't reality for me.  It's *supposed* to bring together tracking, auditory attention, rhythm, etc. I think for $10 the FM is easier to implement and more obviously and radically powerful.  BalavisX is limited by your own ability to do the tasks.

 

I add metronome to any of the FM cards where it seems appropriate.  First I get him able to do the cards, then we start upping the ante with their modifications.  When those are easy, then add in metronome and take it even further.  People wonder why I get so excited working with him, but it's because these things are cheap to do and very powerful!  

 

The next thing I want to try, when we get through FM, is Neuronet.  I'm super fascinated with it.  Just can't do it all, sigh.  

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FWIW I got Focus Moves for my DD (tween) and the majority of it was too easy.  I think it would have been very good before I did all the rhythm work with her.   I could see how I could make up harder versions of the exercises that might work for her - but that unfortunately is just on the 'to do' list right now. (note: I am not saying DD no longer needs this type of work- just that these particular exercises are too easy for her - possibly because of being older)

 

Balavisx on the other hand has been really good so far - she is invested in doing it and it has made doing some of the rhythm style work a lot easier than previously - the hardest part has been not stepping up the difficulty level too fast since I am going purely off of things found on the web. .

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I am interested in Focus Moves but don't have a Kindle or Nook or anything I can download an ebook to (just a laptop, a PC and a Tracfone).

Is there a way to download something to either the laptop or PC?

 

And, if someone finds a DVD of Focus Moves please send me a link :-)

 

Thanks so much!

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OK, folks, so I just found out a couple of cool things.  On the S'Cool Moves website, they state that

 

 

frontsmallcover.jpg
Click image to enlarge
Focus Moves  
Integrated Activities for Collaboration
By Debra Em Wilson

 

Focus Moves is part of the S'cool Moves program, created to enhance collaboration between teachers and support staff. In today's academic classrooms, we need to remember to work on foundation skills along with academic skills for children who struggle.

Focus Moves poster activities help create a solid foundation for learning while integrating essential skills necessary for classroom success. These activities are perfect for resource classrooms, motor groups, literacy centers, physical education, adapted physical education, and home support. 

This convenient ebook enables you to take our Focus Moves poster activities on the go. Now you can access the posters on your ipad, kindle, nook, or other mobile device, as well as project them on a Smartboard. You asked, so we delivered! Here at S’cool Moves, we're all about making your life easier.

Included in Focus Moves is The Learning Pyramid and an observation checklist for children who may display challenges with different levels of The Learning Pyramid. 

Focus Moves activities merge occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral optometry, and neuroscience techniques. The poster activities are easy to implement and user-friendly. 
 

https://secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/1401

 

 

I am assuming this is the book some of you have been referring to?
 
Also, I found out from this website that I can download the ePub generic version of the eBook and read it using a number of free eReaders on my laptop or PC.
 
One of the best eReaders is Adobe Digital Editions which is available for free download on the internet.
 
So if this is the same book y'all are talking about, I can get download it and use it.
 
Way cool!!!!!
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Yes that's the $10 FM book I keep referring to.  When you read the descriptions it says it contains the posters and when you watch on youtube you'll see the posters.  Thing is, it just has pictures of the posters that you could sorta look at on your ipad or whatever.  I used the screen shot on my computer and made them big to capture and print to make something I could actually use.  (Fair Use and all that.) I have those printed and put into page protectors in a notebook so I can just pull out the 4 we're working on for the week or whatever.  We're not working on them now because I'm sick, mercy. I'm not Wonderwoman, lol. Just saying in general that's how I work it and it has been good for us. I keep the ebook open too of course because it has the instructions and variants.

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Yes!  I think that one on the left is used for integrating certain retained primitive reflexes, isn't it?  Not sure.  Anyways, it really depends on what they need. The exercises build and get much more challenging, working on directionality, control, core strength, etc. I know my dd would have found them very challenging in her teens, because we had to go back and work on things like are in this (cross-body marching, etc.).  If I had known about this book at the time it's definitely what I would have used with her, mercy. Of course her compliance is way more iffy, lol.

 

Anyways, yes, this is stuff by OT's and used by OTs. It just happens we can get a version for $10 and hack our way through!  :)

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