The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of how sensory-related behaviors of children with autism affected family routines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with four primary caregivers regarding the meaning and impact of their child's sensory-related behaviors on family routines that occurred inside and outside the home. Findings indicated that sensory behaviors are one factor that limited family participation in work, family and leisure activities; and that parents employed specific strategies to manage individual and family routines in light of the child's sensory-related behaviors. This information has important implications for professionals who work with families of children with autism to decrease caregiver stress and to increase life satisfaction for the child and family.
The incidence of stroke in younger individuals is rising, producing unique challenges due to loss of productive roles and long-term impact in the survivor's life. This paper reports the results of a hospital-based program based on occupational therapy principles that was designed to provide support and education for 13 younger individuals (<65) with stroke. Participants demonstrated improved socialization, healthy coping, and role attainment as measured by the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), and a member satisfaction questionnaire. Key factors for successful implementation and considerations for future programs to meet the needs of younger adults with stroke are discussed.
The purpose of this pilot project was to explore the use of telerehabilitation for collaborative occupational therapy sessions with parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim was to improve carryover of therapeutic strategies by parents to address children's sensory modulation in their natural environments. Four families participated in clinic-based sessions with the therapist followed by online sessions for six weeks. Data consisted of family schedules, sensory diets, archived webcam sessions, and Sensory Processing Measure Home Form scores before and after initiation of the telerehabilitation sessions. Results demonstrated the potential for using telerehabilitation as a tool to provide collaborative occupational therapy in order to improve carryover of home programs for children with ASD by providing opportunities for parents to ask questions, review sensory techniques, and understand the therapist's clinical reasoning.
A CAI program in applied anatomy and kinesiology can be an effective supplemental resource for occupational therapy students and can offer a learning experience that students value and perceive as helpful. Establishment of clear learning objectives, use of a theoretical base to design instruction, and development and testing in different educational settings can help improve the quality of CAI programs and ensure their relevance to other curricula.
The findings support current literature that has suggested expanding the definition of evidence (i.e., more than research findings alone). Further investigation of evidence building in practice may help in constructing a more inclusive professional culture of evidence-based practice.
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