Ileana S. McCaigue, OTR/L is a nationally certified/ registered and licensed Occupational Therapist, author, program developer, holistic clinician and educator with 40 years of experience. Her professional career and expertise include a continuum of care. These range from the neonatal intensive care unit to pediatric concerns in the home, school and community for developmental delays, […]
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research investigating the connection between motor skills (oral-motor, manual-motor) and speech and language deficits. Data analysis was performed examining a registry from children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 1781), 2–17 years of age, who completed a multidisciplinary evaluation that included diagnostic, physical, cognitive and behavioral assessments. After adjusting for […]
Recent research examined atypical sensory and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder through video recording observations to determine the influence of environmental factors. The participants included 32 children with autism spectrum disorder (2–12 years of age) engaging in sensory and repetitive behaviors during home activities. Using the video recording, behavioral coding was used to […]
Neurology published research on a small study consisting of 24 adolescents, half with autism and half without autism. Using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment Test, intelligence test and Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle (Motor) Signs (PANESS), the researchers found that the adolescents with autism showed worse overall scores on handwriting just like younger children with autism […]
The Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities published research on whether participation in an aquatic exercise program improved the sleep in 8 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using an A-B-A withdrawal design for 4 weeks of each phase, the children participated in 60 min of aquatic exercise 2X/week. Data was collected via phone […]
The November digital magazine for pediatric occupational and physical therapists has been published. The table of contents includes: ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM EXERCISE AND SLEEP TIPS FOR CHILDREN 5 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS IN THE CLASSROOM 10 WAYS TO INCREASE STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BASED THERAPY TACTILE FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH […]
Research indicates that using visual activity schedules can be an evidence based practice for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) particularly when used along with systematic instructional procedures. Visual activity schedules have been utilized to increase, maintain and generalize a range of skills from preschool through adulthood in different settings. Considering most of our goals […]
It is well known that children with autism and certain other disabilities benefit greatly from the use of visual supports throughout the day. Visual supports can be pictures, objects, written words, body language and cues. Some children use visual supports as a primary means of communication in the classroom and home. If this is a […]
Combining exercise and sleep can be a tricky balance. Getting proper sleep for yourself or your children can be very challenging in this fast paced world. We want ourselves and our children to exercise but all parents want their children to sleep too! For children some of the best suggestions are: Limit vigorous physical activity […]
The September issue of the Your Therapy Source digital magazine has been published. You can read articles on bladder control, handwriting, playground interventions, fine motor activities, visual perceptual printables and more! All free! View below or go to the Monthly Magazine page to view the PDF version of the magazine. Open publication – Free publishing