What is it? Using dexterous/skilled finger movements, without evidence of fumbling, when manipulating/handling task objects (AOTA, 2014, p. S25).
Why is it important? In-hand manipulation is a skill necessary for occupations across the lifetime such as:
- Dressing (managing clothing fasteners)
- Toileting (managing clothing fasteners, using toileting supplies, toileting hygiene)
- Feeding (using a spoon/fork/knife)
- Grooming (brushing teeth)
- Academic performance (writing, cutting, typing, computer use, etc.)
- Play activities
- Meal preparation (opening packages/containers)
- Opening medication containers
- Job performance
- Leisure activities
5 activities to try at home:
1. Crumpling paper into balls using one hand and throwing into containers/at targets. Tip: Try using old magazines or newspapers that are ready to be recycled!
2. Feeding the frog “food”. Tip: Try putting coins into a piggybank if you do not have supplies for a frog.
3. Playing Mancala. Tip: Can be played using marbles/small objects and an egg carton if you do not have the board game.
4. Making bird feeders. Tip: String cheerios onto pipe cleaners.
5. Making a bean mosaic. Tip: Try with smalls seeds if you do not have dry beans.
References American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl. 1), S1-S48.
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