Observation

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BACKGROUND AND REFERRAL INFORMATION

Brandon is an 11 year 9 month old student who was placed at by an IEP team. He is currently being seen by an educator through the Home and Hospital Teaching program. This evaluation was requested by the IEP team to determine whether occupational therapy services are needed in order for Brandon to benefit from his special education program.

Brandon has a long and complicated medical history. His primary diagnoses are chromosomal mosaicism with severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy. He is currently being treated with a number of gastrointestinal and respiratory medicines. He breathes through a tracheostomy and receives all of his nourishment through a feeding tube. Nursing assistance is required around the clock.

According to reports found in Brandon’s school file, he has never attended school, but has only lived in Montgomery County for approximately three years. Brandon has been hospitalized numerous times for treatment of aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory events. He has been treated recently in emergency rooms for insertion of new feeding tubes, when the old one malfunctioned. For further background information, please see the MCPS Physical Therapy Evaluation report completed by C. Novick, PT, dated 1/4/2010.

TEST PROCEDURES

Review of Referral Information

Review of Confidential File

Informal Conference with Nurse, Ms. Awandum

Telephone Conversation with Mother, Ms. Nelson

Clinical Findings/Observations

INFORMAL CONFERENCE WITH NURSE, MS. AWANDUM

Ms.has worked with Brandon since 2007. She reported that there were a number of respiratory setbacks in 2009 which resulted in Brandon being on more medications and needing more frequent treatments. She stated that Brandon enjoys being included in activities with his younger brother and his brother’s friends. He also enjoys outings. Since they use public transportation for trips in the community, the driver usually helps...