Limb Difference

Hands to Love Hand Camp – April 12-14, 2024

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Hands to Love Hand Camp 2024 offered me the opportunity to feel belongingness and connection while merging my personal experiences as an adult with an upper limb difference with my professional experiences as an occupational therapist. I am so grateful for this yearly gathering that celebrates upper limb differences in a warm and supportive environment!

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Blue background with a photo of Laura as a toddler wearing a greenish dress and little white shoes and an expression of joy and wonder on her face. Pink text that says "taking charge of my story" and the "on the other hand therapy I have a thumb" logo and @ontheotherhandtherapy"

Embracing Vulnerability: Journeying Toward Self-Acceptance

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On a recent retreat, I openly shared my experiences growing up with a visible physical difference and how it affected my sense of belonging. This openness about my hand allowed me to preempt questions, express my desire to be seen both as having – but not defined by – my disability, and ultimately feel more relaxed and connected. The positive responses from others showed how being vulnerable can foster trust and confidence.

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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 typing and accessing a computer for children and young adults 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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The Overachiever Trap

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We delve into messaging that can be detrimental to the development of a child with a hand/arm/limb difference from the child’s perspective. People who did not grow up with a limb difference may not realize how this messaging can affect a child and what the alternatives are.

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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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What happens when your child starts to notice their upper or lower limb difference? This post offers insight and practical tips to help you support your child with warmth and confidence.

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Moments of Sweetness while raising a child with a limb difference

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All parents experience moments of sweetness while raising their children. As a new parent of a child with a limb difference, you may wonder what moments of sweetness you may experience that specifically relate to raising your child. Here are some that parents have shared over the years.

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