Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners frequently provide interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration. Confusion exists regarding how best to intervene with these children and about how to describe and document methods. Some practitioners hold the misconception that Ayres Sensory Integration intervention is the only approach that can and should be used with this population. The issue is that occupational therapy practitioners must treat the whole client in varied environments; to do so effectively, multiple approaches to intervention often are required. This article presents a framework for conceptualizing interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration that incorporates multiple evidence-based approaches. To best meet the needs of the children and families seeking occupational therapy services, interventions must be focused on participation and should be multifaceted.

Date Presented 4/9/2016 This mixed-methods study investigated how mothers of picky eaters perceive mealtime and obtain information about picky eating. Results suggest occupational therapists should use online sources and collaborate with pediatricians to communicate with parents about mealtime concerns. Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Curney Additional Author and Speaker: Kimberly Wilkinson

Background: This study examined how occupational therapists use play in their treatments when working with children with life-threatening conditions. Methods: This narrative qualitative study used an interpretive phenomenological approach to data analysis. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with each therapist; interviews were designed to gather an understanding of how these occupational therapists work with children with life-threatening conditions and the ways in which they use play. Results: Four major themes arose from the interviews along with two sub-themes. The four major themes were: play as a means, playful moments, condition-dependent limitations, and reimbursement. The two sub-themes were the importance of play and allowing for more play at end of life. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that while therapists value play as an occupation, they are typically using it as a means to another end in therapy with children with life-threatening conditions. In addition, therapists who incorporate play into treatment when working with children with life-threatening conditions face many challenges, including the limitations of insurance reimbursement and the confines of practicing in a hospital-based setting.

Date Presented 04/05/19 Outdoor play has physical, cognitive, and social emotional benefits and has a direct positive influence on children’s development. It also provides a rich possibility for use in pediatric OT intervention. The results of this mixed-methods survey describe how OTs are using outdoor play in their practices and explore the barriers and affordances for using outdoor play in OT sessions. Primary Author and Speaker: Kimberly Wilkinson Additional Authors and Speakers: Julia Rossi, Louise Scott-Cole, Raleigh Silvia, Sarah King Contributing Authors: Claire Allman, Alexis Kennedy, Jamie Langan, Stephanie Lasnicki, Alison Miller, Katarina Schutt, Hannah Wilcox

No abstract