Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention: Applying Concepts From Infant Mental Health

Outcomes of Relationship-Based Early Intervention

“…Best-practice models based on research evidence that include relationship-based early intervention approaches are becoming more available to professionals and parents (AbleBoone, 1996;Atkins-Burnett and Allen-Meares, 2000;MacDonald, 2004;Rush, Shelden and Hanft, 2003;Schultz-Krohn and Cara, 2000).…”

“…Pediatric occupational therapy is one discipline that is particularly well suited to integrating concepts of infant mental health into the assessment of and interventions for young children with developmental difficulties and their caregivers (Chandler and Yun, 2006;Schultz-Krohn and Cara, 2000;Weatherston, Ribaudo, and Glovak, 2002). Although pediatric occupational therapists work to improve young children's participation in the occupations of play, self-help, and social interactions, the occupations of parenting are recognized as key factors in relationship-based early intervention.…”

Occupational therapists' attitudes toward family-centered care

“…The role of the occupational therapist in family-centered care (Schultz-Krohn & Cara, 2000;Lawlor & Mattingly, 1998;Litchfield & MacDougall, 2002) is continually changing. In family-centered care the therapist's role is multi-faceted: direct service provider, consultant, resource link, and advocate (Allen & Petr, 1995;Polatajko, 1994).Whereas parents are in the driver's seat, making decisions regarding goals and desires for their child, therapists provide the input and therapeutic expertise that can make these goals and desires a reality.…”