Work, ADLs, Sleep and Autism
American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a systemic review on the effectiveness of work, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) education, and sleep interventions for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The author found a total of 23 studies: 9 work related, 11 ADL/IADL, 3 education-related interventions and 0 sleep studies were identified. THe following results were found:
- Use of mobile and tablet technologies for vocational skills was supported.
- for ADLs and IADLS some results indicated that Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance, sensory integration, and contextual interventions may increase occupational performances
- daily yoga and brief exercise may improve classroom performance and behavior
- group physical activities may assist with school readiness variables.
- evidence for using technologies for IADLs was limited
- evidence determining effective interventions for feeding and eating issues was limited
The researcher concluded that more studies are needed to advance science-driven occupational therapy practice and research for people with ASD.
Reference: Weaver, L. Effectiveness of Work, Activities of Daily Living, Education, and Sleep Interventions for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September 2015, Vol. 69, 6905180020p1-6905180020p11. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.017962
Check out all the yoga activities to help support children with autism spectrum disorder at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/yoga.html
