Recently, a small research study was completed with 6 elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who participated in a modified single-case design investigation. There was a four-day baseline phase followed by 13 days of an intervention phase that included structured physical activity based on the individual students’ needs, then a reversal phase for four […]
The Journal of Child & Adolescent Behavior published research comparing the gross motor skill performance on 21 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 21 age matched peers (5-10 years) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD- 2). The motor performance scores on the TGMD-2 were compared. The following results were recorded: 1. For the locomotor subtest, 67% […]
Modifications to the school environment can greatly benefit students with disabilities. School staff needs to teach students to be independent in making sure that modifications are in place in the learning environment. It is not our job to simple recommend modifications it is also our job as educators/therapists to ensure that the modifications are carried […]
Have you ever heard of Fitt’s Law? “Fitts’s Law allows to predict a time it takes a user to point at an object using a specific pointing device (such as a mouse, trackball, trackpad, or even a finger)”. At a website about Fitt’s Law – http://fww.few.vu.nl/hci/interactive/fitts/, you can collect data on how long it takes a […]
Ever have the blues at your job? Feeling like you are stuck in a rut? Here are 5 ways to snap out of a funk as a pediatric occupational or physical therapist: 1. Remember why you chose this profession – to help others. 2. Connect with other therapists to ask for help establish a […]
To continue on with yesterday’s topic, promoting participation in recreational activities for children with disabilities, today’s topic will discuss specific recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Research has shown that children with JIA can participate in exercise regimens without exacerbating the disease. In addition, research has shown that exercise for at least 6 […]
Therapists can follow in the footsteps of teachers and create lesson plans for therapy sessions. This can be especially useful for group sessions or push in therapy. When the lesson plan is written, provide a copy to the teacher or parent to inform them of your goals for the session. It is a great way […]
Here are 4 free last minute printables for OT and PT to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. 1. Valentine’s Day Brain Break 2. Conversation Heart Clothes Pins 3. Multisensory Handwriting Freebie – Valentine’s Day 4. Valentine Pencil Critters to cut, fold and create. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!!!!
No matter what the weather, schools need to encourage recess time. Whether it be free play time outdoors on playground equipment, using loose parts (ie balls, jump ropes, etc) or indoor time on rainy, cold days, students benefit from the break for some of the following reasons: 1. Children learn self regulation and the ability […]
The European Journal of Pediatrics published research on whether there is an increased prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) in children with voiding dysfunction. The participants included 226 children (5 to 14 years) including 113 patients diagnosed with voiding dysfunction and 113 sex/age/body mass index-matched normal children were recruited. GJH was evaluated in both groups […]