Right - Left Discrimination Problem

Posted by Dee @danielad, Mar 9, 2019

Hello all -- I have an issue with right-left discrimination. I wonder if anyone can provide any information or suggestions on ways to address this problem?

I am ambidextrous and have always had a small issue with discriminating right and left. However, following a head concussion (fall on wet deck) in May 2018, this problem has become much more pronounced. My neurologist suggested I use "Right-Left Discrimination Workbooks" -- Tried to find them on line, but did not have any success! He also recommended I see a speech therapist for Cognitive Therapy for working memory. I don't have any language issue; however, it seems that speech therapists are the ones doing "Cognitive Therapy". My first appointment is in a week.

Thank you for any help! -- Dee

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lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Mar 9, 2019

Tie a brightly colored string to your finger of one of your hands, which ever hand you favor, your left or right, to orient yourself, or wear a rubber band around your wrist, left or right. Find visual land marks in your neighborhood???? On paper, put an x on the right side, etc. Do visual things to make up for the fact that your brain is confused.....

Dee | @danielad | Mar 9, 2019

Great advice @lorirenee1! Yes, that will help! Visual landmarks ... YES! Thanks!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 9, 2019

Hi Daniela @danielad, thanks for the private message. I thought I would respond in your new discussion. I had not heard of right-left discrimination but was able to find a good YouTube video that may be helpful.

Right/Left Discrimination Sarah Potter,OTAS

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 9, 2019

Here are a few more links I found that may be helpful.

Left/Right Discrimination
-- http://www.gradedmotorimagery.com/left-right-discriminiation.html

Free Directionality Worksheets
-- https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2017/11/26/directionality-worksheet/

FREE - Left Right Arrows Worksheet | TpT FREE LESSONS | Pinterest
-- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5911043237168264/

Dee | @danielad | Mar 9, 2019

Thank you John @johnbishop! I will review the links and video now. Thanks again! Daniela

lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Mar 10, 2019

In reply to @danielad "Great advice @lorirenee1! Yes, that will help! Visual landmarks ... YES! Thanks!" + (show)

You are most welcome! Lori Renee

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 13, 2019

Hi, @danielad - since your left-right discrimination problem was mostly prompted by a concussion, I'd like to also bring in @lrbrush @willbc and @lakelifelady for any input they may have on ways to address an issue with right-left discrimination. @hopeful33250 may also have some thoughts.

Dee | @danielad | Mar 13, 2019

Thank you very much Lisa @lisalucier. I am soooo frustrated!!! I am having the hardest time finding a "competent" therapist! According to my neuro-psycological tests findings (Nov 2018), I need to do "Cognitive Rehabilitation"; however, my neurologist first referred me to a "Speech Therapist", then to a Physical Therapist. I need a Neuropsychologist who is trained in doing "Cognitive Rehabilitation", specifically in dealing with working memory and right-left discrimination issues. Living in the DC/Northern Virginia Area you would think this wouldn't be such a huge problem, but .... Have yet to find one!!

Dee | @danielad | Mar 13, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "Here are a few more links I found that may be helpful. Left/Right Discrimination -- http://www.gradedmotorimagery.com/left-right-discriminiation.html..." + (show)

Hello John @johnbishop. Have looked at the websites you sent and what I found out is that I have a REAL big problem with right-left discrimination! My brain appears to have been "rewired" to think my left is my right ... and my right is my left. Not only, but if I am driving, walking, or doing anything, I will turn left instead of right because my NEW right IS my left! Have you ever heard of anything like that? It is not something that happens once in a while, it is a constant thing. So I am constantly second-guessing myself. I think that I am way past the stage of simple solutions. I believe I need REAL Cognitive Rehab. What are your thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 13, 2019

In reply to @danielad "Hello John @johnbishop. Have looked at the websites you sent and what I found out is..." + (show)

Dee @danielad, I found a link on Psychology Today website that lists therapist in Maclean, VA but it has more selection/search options that you might be able to use to find one that can help you.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/testing-and-evaluation/va/mclean