Improving fine motor abilities in Angelman Syndrome, one step at a time with spoon-based exercises
Juliana Johnson, a 13-year-old girl living with Angelman syndrome, has made significant strides in her self-feeding journey. Her parents have been her steadfast supporters, encouraging her every step of the way.
For many years, Juliana has been managing bite-sized pieces of food with her fingers, a skill she has honed over time. However, when it comes to using utensils, she has faced challenges, particularly with a spoon.
Recently, Juliana attempted to eat oatmeal by herself without assistance. With the help of a special bowl with an extended lip, a curved spoon designed for those with motor skills challenges, and some guidance on hand placement and repositioning her spoon, Juliana was able to successfully eat oatmeal by herself.
Although her progress with using utensils is not perfect, Juliana can navigate them with minimal support and redirection. This was evident in the incident, where although there were a few missed clumps of oatmeal on her lap during the meal, she demonstrated her progress in self-feeding.
Juliana's husband was initially skeptical about her ability to eat oatmeal independently, but he was pleasantly surprised by her achievement. This incident served as a test to see how well Juliana could manage a meal that requires scooping, and it was a personal milestone for Juliana in her self-feeding journey.
To help Juliana practice using a spoon, the curved spoon designed for those with motor skills challenges was introduced as part of her individualized education plan goals. The use of toddler-sized utensils and small cups with handles was also transitioned to after Juliana found the curved spoon more difficult to use.
Juliana continues to work on improving various skills, including toileting, tooth brushing, stair climbing, and using a spoon to feed herself. Her parents and family are proud of her progress and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and overcome challenges.
