OBJECTIVE. We tested an occupational therapy contextual intervention for improving participation in children with autism spectrum disorders and for developing parental competence. METHOD. Using a repeated-measures pretest–posttest design, we evaluated the effectiveness of a contextually relevant reflective guidance occupational therapy intervention involving three components: authentic activity settings, family’s daily routines, and the child’s sensory processing patterns (Sensory Profile). We used these components to coach 20 parents in strategies to support their child’s participation. Intervention sessions involved reflective discussion with parents to support them in identifying strategies to meet their goals and make joint plans for the coming week. We measured child participation (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Goal Attainment Scaling) and parent competence (Parenting Sense of Competence, Parenting Stress Index). RESULTS. Results indicated that parents felt more competent and children significantly increased participation in everyday life, suggesting that this approach is an effective occupational therapy intervention.

This review analyzes the quantitative literature on children with medical complexity (CMC). Using the Pediatric Self-Management Model, evidence is summarized into facilitators and barriers to self-management. Current quantitative research focuses on the caregiver burden in families with CMC. A model for social work with families with CMC was introduced in response to these findings. A re-envisioned model allows the child with medical complexity to be seen as whole rather than focusing on typically deficit-based areas of medical specialty or service provision.

Date Presented 04/05/19 While many studies focus on the impact of somatosensory changes on participation after stroke, they do not address the lived experience of all sensory systems (e.g., taste and smell). Researchers used a qualitative descriptive method using semistructured interviews to collect data. Results from this study could be utilized to inform healthcare providers about stroke survivors’ sensory needs and preferences to help them design interventions that match their needs. Primary Author and Speaker: Dua'a Alwawi Additional Authors and Speakers: Ashleigh Heldstab, Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn, Lisa Mische-Lawson

No abstract

Date Presented 4/1/2017 This research on sensory processing patterns relating to physical activity showed that adolescents with unique patterns reported participation in both same and distinct physical activities. Occupational therapists should consider adolescents’ sensory preferences when recommending physical activity. Primary Author and Speaker: Joan Ziegler Delahunt Additional Authors and Speakers: Lisa Mische-Lawson