10 Tips for Prescribing Early Intervention Seating

10 Tips for Prescribing Early Intervention Seating

Here are some quick points to consider when starting the processes of selecting seating and mobility options for the very young (under 1 – 3 yrs of age). As we all know; if the critical indicators are gone through early on then hopefully the process of implementation can be expedited sooner.

Discuss and Assess

1. What sort of lifestyle does the family lead? Do they understand the benefits of trying a modular seating system that is transferrable between bases for both indoor and outdoor use? Consider what is the home environment like? Upstairs living? Small house? Access issues?

2. What transportation considerations are there? Vehicle capacity, pre-school, siblings etc…

3. What is the child’s sitting ability? Is there any indications that child might sit independently? Does he/she need full support? Is tilt in space seating going to be beneficial? Are there any asymmetries?

4. Consider the shape and position of the child’s head – will it need specialised support or custom shaping?

5. What complexity of seating is required – does this need referral to access clinic?

Measure/pre-script

6. Key measurements to take; (Make sure child is sitting with a posture that closely resembles the desired position)

• seat length, (back of sacrum to behind calf)
• width of seat at widest point (should thighs be abducted for stability?)
• shoulder strap height, (with spine as erect as possible)
• lower leg length. (consider footwear)

7. Now you have these measurements consider the best fit of product – it could be different to what you anticipated.

8. What colour upholstery would this family like? Or would the carer prefer something that is easily wipe-down?

9. For some kids, standard upholstery can be a bit firm for them – would you need to consider upgrading to soft foam in the cushion and backrest? Do the covers need to be extra stretchy?

10. What considerations are there to allow the child to be as active as possible? Is 2-point hip belt enough? Will harness affect function or feeding tube access?

Click on the link below to get your copy of Patrick's 10 Tips for Prescribing Early Intervention Seating, presented at the Auckland 'Know Your Products' Expo in June.