Equivalent movement cues seem to be connected to the concept of a line.
Perseverative Movements
Within ACL 3.4, a side effect of paying attention to a repetitive manual action seems to be getting stuck there with actions that have traditionally been called perseverative movements. The way to stop the movements is to redirect their attention to another motor action. A Jacob's ladder is usually an effective distraction that you can carry around in your pocket. The repetition is limited by the length of the ladder, which prevents getting stuck again.
In & Out of Containers
The concept of a line seems to wrap around and form an equivalent concept of a container that holds smaller objects. The same objects that might be placed in a row may be taken in or out of a container. The best containers are shallow with wide openings so that the objects can be seen easily.
Sectioned containers may be used to begin sorting objects. Within ACL 3.4, the objects are more apt to be taken out of containers, rather than placed into containers. Taking familiar objects out of containers and looking at them serves the purpose of validating their memories and satisfying their need to be productive.
The challenge is in finding objects that they can pick up and move without the risk of chocking. The international standards for children are misleading because the adult tubes in the gastrointestinal track are bigger. We need to develop international standards for adults with cognitive disabilities. The following guidelines are proposed:
- Small objects that will safely pass through the digestive track include beads and buttons that are no larger than ½ inch (1¼ cm) in diameter.
- Larger objects that are too big to enter adult throats are at least 1 inch (2 ½ cm) in diameter. Large buttons and beads of this size will probably not be chocked on by most adults.
- Medical conditions, such as diverticulitis and perforated ulcers, that are exceptions to these general rules, must be identified.
Activities that engage attention to taking things in and out of containers benefit from the following objects:
- Putting flowers in a vase can be immensely pleasing for men and women. Real flowers that smell good are a special treat, but artificial flowers can serve well for daily purposes.
- The containers for poker chips are ideal for taking out and stacking.
- Vegetable and fruit baskets are good for moving small pieces of real and artificial produce around.
Tea candles can be shaken out of boxes and turned right side up within ACL 3.4. They probably will be able to get a few of them back in the boxes before they get tired.
Habits
Procedural memories for repetitive actions that are equivalent to the concept of a line and the use of containers have been identified through clinical experience with individuals. They include stirring juice, shelling peas, stringing green beans, hulling strawberries, winding yarn or twine, tying knots and bows, buttoning shirts and button boards, and latch box boards.
Allen wrenches that come on a ring can be as fascinating as the latch hook box to tangle and straighten out.
