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White background with pink text that says "Upper Limb Difference (ULD) OVERUSE SYNDROME: PREVENT, REDUCE, TREAT" and blue and pink text that says "WHAT IS OVERUSE SYNDROME OS)?" followed by text explaining other names for OS, who it affects, and causes. On the other side of the page, there are 6 boxes: "Medical Care | Fatigue and Pain Management | Exercise and Strengthening | Adapt Home Base | Hack the World Around You | Social/Emotional Wellness" and the "on the other hand I have a thumb" logo

Overuse Syndrome

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People upper limb differences (ULD) are at heightened risk of developing overuse syndrome over their lifetimes due to strain on the dominant side. Learn how to reduce the effects of overuse syndrome through intentional choices of adaptive equipment, awareness of biomechanics and posture, examination of societal messages, etc.

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Typing/Keyboarding for Kids, Teens, and Adults with Hand/Arm Differences

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We delve into the factors that affect keyboarding for children with hand/arm differences, including strain to the “dominant” hand as well as incorporating the “affected” hand or arm. While ergonomics is important for everyone who types, it is even more important for children with hand/arm differences

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Mother’s Day Letter to my Mother

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I wrote this letter to my mother to share empathy for all that she has experienced raising a child with a hand difference and express my appreciation and gratitude for all that she has contributed to me over my life.

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Teaching Children How to Ask About Limb Differences

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Children need to be taught how to ask questions & connect with people who have visible differences and disabilities. We explore the two different kinds of questions and statements that people often ask and how they affect the listener.

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What NOT to say when your child feels SAD about their limb difference

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Many of us were conditioned to respond to children when they are sad in ways that aren’t the best for them. Some of the following responses are less helpful in the moment than using reflective listening and offering empathy. Many of us heard these from our families of origin. Knowing why they can be harmful can empower us.

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Preparing yourself for when your child feels SAD about their limb difference

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On social media, parents often share about the hard moments when their children feel sadness about their limb difference for the first time. Before offering suggestions for supporting children during these difficult moments, I wanted to examine this situation from the parents’ perspective. All children experience sadness about aspects of their life, but this situation is a little different. Let’s explore it!

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Blue gradient with white text that says "reflections from an OT with a limb difference" and a bubble with blue and black text that says "? | when your child realizes they have a limb difference." Small pink circles with an icon of a person with a partial arm and partial leg and "ontheotherhandtherapy"

When your child realizes they have a limb difference

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This post initially was inspired by parents sharing about the moments that their children discovered or said something about their limb difference for the first time. I hope that this post will help parents anticipate what might be coming as well as support your child!

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Letter from a Parent to their Child with a Limb Difference

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Overhearing a parent talking to their child with a limb difference inspired me to think about what I would have liked to have heard as a child. Here it is in letter format.

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