Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Skills on the Hill

Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Skills on the Hill Kristen Masci, MS, OTR/L, director of Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC, shows how occupational therapy plays a role in autism intervention in private clinics.

Occupational therapy can make a difference in the lives of children with autism. Autism is the fastestgrowing developmental disability, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10 to 17 percent. No matter where children may fall on the autism spectrum, occupational therapy practitioners support them and their families to participate in daily routines, and promote function when facing barriers or difficulties typically associated with this disorder. In clinics, occupational therapy practitioners help children interpret and process sensory information through meaningful activity.

Masci starts her session with Josh, age 4, by letting him select his activities, which encourages child‐directed choices.

First up, the ball pit. Masci hides stuffed animals and asks Josh to dig for them. Josh is a “sensory seeker” and thrives in a sensory‐rich environment.

Josh indicates to Masci that he’s not afraid of confined spaces when using the red swing. He enjoys the movement, is challenged by the height of the suspended equipment, and becomes calmed by the deep pressure of the enclosure of the swing.

Bouncing on the trampoline while in the red swing helps safely increase Josh’s strength. This is a coordination activity because his upper body is stable and his lower body is moving. Masci also builds Josh’s language skills by asking him to count his jumps. Improved coordination at this age sets the stage for later learning activities that include sequences or plans.

Josh communicated his desire to go back to the ball pit, but this time Masci incorporated the use of a trapeze swing to aid in grasp and release skills. Josh plans and strategizes a sequence of events, including swinging the bar and the timing necessary to fall into the ball pit. Grasping strength will be critical to learning writing and other skills.

Masci asks Josh to clap the bubbles while bouncing on a therapy ball to increase his sitting balance and trunk stability so he will be able to sit in a chair and pay attention in future classrooms.

Using play and movement encourages Josh to participate. Masci uses the scooter ramp to promote trunk and head extension and Josh’s ability to follow directions.

Masci addresses Josh’s hand‐eye coordination through hitting a ball on a string with a bat. A real slugger, Josh has improved his accuracy and strength greatly since starting at Skills on the Hill—and his joyful expression says it all.

Masci uses “fun foam” to help Josh with his tactile sensitivities. Underneath the foam are toy trains, which serve as a motivator for Josh to overcome his aversion. Josh is working hard to keep his trunk and head erect during this activity.

Here, Josh tolerates touching a wet, slippery texture which is difficult for him. Although initially Josh was hesitant to let his hands get messy, he soon forgot about that and became engaged in the activity. Occupational therapy addresses touch sensitivities that may impact Josh’s participation during daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Masci works on “pre‐handwriting” skills with Josh, which includes holding the marker with an appropriate grasp and following Masci’s directions.

With occupational therapy, children with autism and related disorders are better prepared to meet the important future challenges of interacting with others and meeting the demands in school. Occupational therapy helps children to succeed in their daily routines at home, at school, and in the community.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Skills on the Hill

by aotaPR on Apr 14, 2009

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