Occupational performance considerations

Splinting whilst indicated to promote a child’s function, can actually contribute to a loss of function/independence in the short term.

For example:

• A toddler wearing bilateral hand splints may no longer be able to self-feed or hold their drink bottle, pick up their favourite blocks or turn the pages in a book;
• A teenager with a foot splint may not be able to stand in the shower to bathe independently or fit their school uniform over their splint
• An infant with a knee splint may have difficulty siting in their highchair for feeding and not be able to be swaddled at night to help them settle and fall asleep. Splinting may impact on a child’s ability to relax, fall asleep and sustain quality sleep due to restrictions in their movement, typical sleeping position or restrictions in ability to engage in self -self-soothing behaviours used to promote sleep (i.e. access to touch/stroke comfort toy; suck thumb/fingers).

Click on each heading below for tips for promoting best performance in different circumstances.