Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities published research on whether a difference existed in levels of task independence when three students with autism completed food preparation tasks while self-monitoring using a low-tech treatment (paper/pencil) and high-tech treatment (iPad). The results indicated: 1. both interventions decreased the need for prompting which increases independence 2. Students […]
Here are three ways to strengthen the muscles in the hands using simple items from around the kitchen: 1. Garlic Press and Mini Sponges: Cut up and wet some sponges. The child puts a mini sponge into the garlic press and squeezes the water out of the sponge. Not only does this strengthen the muscles […]
An interesting study was published in Child Development comparing the motivational levels of children willing to help adults based on how the children were asked to help. The participants included about 150, 3-6 year olds, who participated in two experiments. In one experiment, the adults talked to the children about helping then referred to helping […]
Head on over to get a free sample school routine life skill checklist to track quarterly progress towards life skills goals. You can enter the data into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the graph will automatically create a visual representation of progress. You can edit the spreadsheet to add or remove life skill goals. It […]
Pediatrics has published research on the developmental trajectories of mobility performance and daily activities in 420 Dutch children (ages 1-16 years) and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP)and investigating the influence of gross motor function and intellectual disability on these trajectories. The children were followed yearly over a period of 2 to 4 years. Developmental […]
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published a systematic review of activities of daily living measures for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. The following results were found: 26 measures were identified and eight met inclusion criteria The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) had the strongest psychometric properties but was limited by its age range […]
Here is a free self assessment of skills form for students or clients. You can type any skill into the form and the children can circle whether they think the skill is easy or they need help with the skill. It will give you a general idea of the child’s perspective of his/her skills. Perhaps […]
Here is a new packet to download that includes 12 posters and 12 hand outs on life skills. The twelve life skills are: Oral Hygiene, Cleaning Your Room, Laundry, Personal Hygiene, Meal Preparation, Outdoor Chores, Shoe Tying, Kitchen Clean Up, Telephone Use, Table Setting, Dressing, and Shopping. Hang up the poster in the class or […]
This website, www.gcflearnfree.org/everydaylife/, offers interactive lessons for daily life skills such as cooking, banking, shopping, schedules and more. The lessons allow learners to practice life skills to be successful in everyday life. This is definitely worth a look for any occupational therapist especially those that work with older children and young adults. Best part…all free!