Lesson SEN 12
Task: Pick up objects with hands.
Prerequisites: ADT 1, SEN 11
Concept: This task, much like SEN 11, can be confused with "hold objects in hand" (ADT 3). The difference is that holding objects is a controlled reflex response that happens as an object is placed in the student's hand, whereas the action of picking up an object is an extension of reaching for an item (see prerequisite SEN 11). To successfully perform this skill, the gross-motor activity of reaching for an item is changed or transitioned to the finer motor skill of picking things up. This grasp is intended to be by the palm, with fingers serving to enclose the object; therefore, the focus of the grasp is the hands. Picking up with the fingers comes in a later lesson (SEN 13).
Behavioral Objective: After a verbal request to "please pick this up," the student will grasp an object and pick it up to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: Objects of known interest to the student that are of a size that is graspable and of a smooth texture.
Task Analysis:
1. Review with the student the action involved in reaching for an object (see prerequisite SEN 11), using the objects determined in the materials section. (Note. The arm that the student chooses to use probably represents the dominant hand. Use this hand for the grasping activities.)
2. When the student's hand comes in proximity to the object, gently open or extend the student's fingers and physically guide them through the process of grasping and lifting the object.
3. Continue Step 2, gradually reducing the physical assistance provided until only gestural and verbal prompting is needed.
4. Continue Step 3, reducing all prompting to a verbal request: "Please pick up the (name of object)." Continue until the objective is met.