April is Occupational Therapy, Autism Awareness Month.
Bethesda, MD (Vocus) April 1, 2009 -- Though a December 2008 Easter Seals-sponsored study showed nearly 80 percent of surveyed families with a child with autism are extremely or very concerned about their child’s potential to achieve independence as an adult, occupational therapy practitioners can help. They can make a difference in the lives and futures of these children by identifying the early signs or indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so the family and child can then receive necessary support and services. Occupational therapy practitioners help children and their families participate in daily routines and promote their function when facing barriers or difficulties typically associated with this disorder.
“Occupational therapy practitioners assess the specific area or areas in which the individual is showing signs of ASD, and then shares that information with the parent or physician,” said Leslie Jackson, MEd, OT, project director of the Training Modules for Inclusive Early Care and Education at Easter Seals. “April, which is both Occupational Therapy Month and Autism Awareness Month, provides an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the important role the profession plays.”
New research by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that, because children with autism are unlikely to properly self-report their experiences, the occupational therapy-based technique of interviewing their parents may add important information to help families understand and better respond to the needs of their children, thereby easing challenges in daily routines.
“The physician is responsible for determining the diagnosis of autism. The occupational therapy practitioner can provide valuable input to the physician and the family during this assessment phase,” said Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, pediatric coordinator of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Jackson says that the mere presence of signs or indicators does not necessarily indicate an ASD diagnosis but instead signifies to an occupational therapy practitioner that the child may benefit from further evaluation and services. She described the four categories, noting that the areas are interrelated and can affect one another:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports one in every 150 children born have or develop ASD. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10 to 17 percent.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2290224.htm.
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