Video

Study Guide

OT Referral

• A specific diagnosis or
• A functional problem

Approach

• Top-down approach
• Consider the child holistically
• Client-centered interventions and practice
• Identify the concerns and priorities of both the child and family
• Identify their interests, difficulties, and preferences

Functional Improvement

1. Providing interventions to enhance performance.
2. Adapting activities and modifying the environment.
3. Consulting, educating, and advocating for the child.

Context

• Physical
• Social
• Cultural factors

The overall goal is to function in a safe environment to promote function, exploration, play, learning, and social interaction.

Themes

• Inclusion with peers and family
• Most natural environment
• Cultural awareness and family values
  • Family composition and hierarchy
  • Decision-makers
  • Level of expected independence
  • Feeding and sleeping practices
  • Discipline
  • How much help the family expects to seek
  • Communication styles
  • How disability is perceived

Evaluation

• Occupational profile – find out child’s functional strengths and limitations.
• Assessment and analysis of performance
  • Standardized evaluations
  • Structured observation
  • Focused interviews
• Environment – multiple environments, constraints on the child’s functional performance.

The child’s most important occupation is play.

Designing Interventions

• Optimize the child’s active engagement.
• Provide a just-right challenge.
• Establish a therapeutic relationship, including with caregivers.

Implement assistive technology where appropriate.

Children with disabilities may often benefit from modifications to the environment.

Always consider the child’s safety and comfort.