Child’s therapists

Hello, this is prob a moot point with the impending lockdown but right now my child’s physical and occupational therapists are still willing to come. He has autism and cerebral palsy and I’m divorced and have two other kids and work full time (from home now). I want to let them come. I understand that this means I can’t see my elderly mother. The problem is my ex, who is back and forth a lot, lives with his parents who are in their 70s and he can’t avoid them. So he wants to stop the therapies. I see his point. They work in a hospital (st Mary’s) by day and then go from home to home doing home care. But what happens to a kid with co who doesn’t get physical therapy for 4 months.

I really feel the government failed to consider the needs of a lot of ppl with this plan. Everyone I know screaming “stay at home” gets to binge watch Netflix with their husbands and their neurotypical children. This is an unequal burden.

Child’s therapists

I have friends with medically fragile children. One normally has muring care most of the day. They are down their nurses because they cannot let the risk it in the house.

I think you need to do what is best for all the family. Can you ask the therapists for things you can do?

Child’s therapists

It really sucks. My son gets OT at daycare and all services are suspended until further notice now, he has milder needs though. I would say stop it for now. Ask the PT what exercises and stretching you can do with him at home for now. If you feel that he is regressing from not having the services within a few weeks you can revisit the situation. It’s sucks but I feel like we all kind of need to make some sacrifices for now. It sucks to have to make these kinds of sacrifices

Message edited 3/17/2020 6:21:15 PM.

Child’s therapists

I would stop the therapies and ask for exercises you can do at home, as the previous posters said.

Child’s therapists

The government has definitely failed the special needs population. The therapies just stopped without warning or any type of plan. Every day of therapy is crucial to these children and the special needs population as a whole. Their needs are basically being ignored.

To be honest, I would seriously consider continuing the therapy. Regression and lack or progress are very real concerns and can have lasting effects on the children.

Re: Child’s therapists

I'm in the minority (obviously) but I would continue them. For the services your child receives, I don't think it's worth the risk of regression.

Re: Child’s therapists

In NY all Therapies have been cancelled until
April 1st

Re: Child’s therapists

Re: Child’s therapists

That would be a great option for families. Good info to pass on. I know m agency closed for 2 weeks.

This is all so crazy information changing daily.

Re: Child’s therapists

My friends whose children receive therapy normally are all really struggling too. I don’t think you are alone. I know this might be a huge ask, but could your exhusband move in to help?

Re: Child’s therapists

Re: Child’s therapists

I’m an ABA therapist and one of my families did cancel but the others want me to keep coming. I def see both sides but there’s really no right answer. Just make sure the therapists are thoroughly washing hands, and if you notice any symptoms, politely ask them to come back in 2 weeks. If they’re coming with equipment, provide them with wipes.

It’s a really crappy situation...regression is a real issue, sorry you’re dealing with this on top of everything else.

Re: Child’s therapists

Child’s therapists

I might be in the minority too, but I would continue...and I’m all for the social distancing. However in this instance I think you have to prioritize your son. If your husband is in an out and going to work and other places I can’t see these therapists being any more of a threat to his parents than he already would be.

Re: Child’s therapists

I woudl continue the therapy as well if you can.
I feel the risk/benefit on that is in favor of your son continuing his services. Take the usual precautions but continue of they will come.

Also- Cuomo said there will be no lockdown for nyc... so there's that. I know you had mentioned that in your post as well.

Message edited 3/18/2020 9:26:29 AM.