Hi Sandra, I have a 2nd grade student who sucks her thumb. She is mentally challenged, but she is a higher functioning one. She is in resource class and the resource teacher put a glove on her hand to prevent the pattern. However, the girl will take it off. She has told the teacher that the thumb sucking does not bother her and she does not care what others think. I don’t think I will get much support at home either from the parent. Do you recommend using the Unplugging the thumb material? If so, which version should I get? The parent or therapist? If I do order one, I will be having the resource teacher do most of the work because she sees her most of the day and use me as consultation. Thank you for your help, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly, If the teacher would help you and if you could get the parent’s cooperation, I would say to go ahead and use the Therapist Edition of Unplugging The Thumb; however, too many necessary elements seem to be absent: The girl is, at this time at least, not interested in quitting. The presentation of the CD and other materials “might” spark interest, but we are not sure based on her cognitive challenges, however minor they might be. Secondly, you doubt that the parent will offer you home support, another big red flag for success. If you can get the girl to agree to quit and if you feel that she will cooperate with “your” plan, then you might want to consider giving it a shot….you’ll have to make some adjustments, perhaps, and you can run your ideas past me. I’m sorry I can’t give a definitely “yes” or “no” since I don’t know the child personally and can’ get a “feel” if she will understand well enough to become motivated as most kids do. I hope this helps clarify some of your questions, Kimberly. Please let me know the outcome. Sandra