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Limiting screen time can help improve motor skills for children

Posted at 3:29 PM, Nov 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-13 17:29:52-05

Working with his hands is no easy feat for Dallin. He was diagnosed with sensory and language disorders, Autism and Dyslexia at 8 years old, making tasks like holding a pencil or gripping a swing more of a challenge.

"Those fine motor skills that most kids just do and take for granted, he's behind on those, but we've seen a lot of growth," said his mom Amy Doughney. 
Growth due to his hard work and limits to his screen time. He works with a children's occupational therapist to improve those motor skills.

"The idea for the putty is to really help strengthen his hands. "[The stool] helps him get a good anchor for his feet while he's sitting," said his occupational therapist Molly Gallegos. 

Gallegos says kids with fine motor delays are more sensitive to screen time repercussions.

"A. Because they need more time to move their bodies because of their delays, and B. because it really dysregulates children and they're off they're cranky, they crave that stimulation and almost get addicted to it," said Gallegos. 

Screen usage can also affect your child's ability to pay attention. Gallegos says parents can work at home with their children and should be aware of how much screen time they're using too because it can cause separation between you and your child.

Luckily that's not the case here.

'It's fun, I like writing when I'm with Molly and my mom," said Doughney.