Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Towson University

Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Towson University Follow occupational therapy students at Towson University in Maryland as they show how occupational therapy plays a role in intervention with young adults through the Center for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

One in every 150 children has or develops autism, and occupational therapy can make a difference throughout their lives. As these children become young adults, occupational therapy practitioners can help them lead productive and fulfilling lives as integrated members in their community through interventions that address social interactions and build interpersonal relationships.

In a joint effort with kinesiology students, occupational therapy students Laura Hillman and Sherron Schuchman lead a group of young adults in the community to work on social participation skills. Here, the leaders facilitate communication through “ice breaker” activities—sharing their interests while passing the ball.

The occupational therapy students help the young adults prepare for exercise—a conduit for working toward the larger goal of social participation. In this activity, the group member mimics movement, which indicates body awareness, social recognition, and coordination.

The young adults stretch themselves physically and socially during the 90‐minute wellness session. The occupational therapy students help the young adults model social behavior and talk to each other, and the kinesiology students plan the physical activities.

Through stretching, Telesforo gains body awareness while preparing to exercise. Schuchman coaches him to maintain extension for 15 seconds, helping him learn self‐control and communication.

Individuals with autism often display difficulty with communication. Hillman coaches Daniel how to express his needs and wants. Here, he asks kinesiology student Kelly Nevin about equipment use in the wellness center.

While he uses an exercise machine, Zack engages in social interaction with Hillman. She facilitates ongoing dialogue and relationship‐building by sustaining conversation.

While the goal of the program is to promote social interaction among the young adults themselves, the occupational therapy students are also promoting leisure and exercise as important forms of activity and participation.

Hillman encourages peer interaction between Tom and Zach.

Building body and trunk rotation increases flexibility and body awareness for the program participants, and group exercises help them take turns and become more comfortable with each other.

Hillman and Greg time their exercise to mirror one another. Greg learns to follow Hillman’s directions during this strengthening activity.

The wellness center is open to the community, and is used by individuals with and without disabilities. Taking a suggestion from another exerciser, Hillman demonstrates “drawing the alphabet” with the medicine ball to Tom—illustrating their full participation in and utilization of a community resource.

Engagement in meaningful activities and social participation with the help of occupational therapy prepares young adults with autism and related disorders to live life to its fullest. Occupational therapy helps build necessary and appropriate relationships with others.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Action: Towson University

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