Friday 22 March 2013

Occupational Therapists - Serving Autism!

In general diagnosed around age of 3, Autism is a disorder related to the development and growth of children. It affects collaborative brain functions and influences areas that control social behaviour and communication skills of those affected. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, an international institute established by President John F. Kennedy, with the support of congress, in 1962 to study the "complex process of human development from conception to old age", uses the term autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to refer to a group of disorders that include autistic behaviour (also known as classic autism), asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (also called atypical autism).
How Occupational Therapists can help Individuals suffering from Autism?

Focused on improving participation in the performance of activities of daily living such as feeding and dressing, Occupational therapy services support instrumental activities, education, work, leisure, and social collaboration. Based on individual situation, person’s need, and desired objectives, occupational therapy services are custom designed for individuals with an ASD. These services include evaluation, intervention, and measurement of outcomes. To conduct these activities, it is important to understand the daily living experiences of the individual with autism and those with whom he or she collaborates – including family, caregivers, instructors, friends, and other supporters.
Occupational therapy focuses on:
•    Personal Development
•    Quality of life
•    Needs of the Family
The evaluation process involves designs to gain understanding of the person’s unique skills, strengths, and challenges while engaging in routine activities or occupations. The intervention process, based on the outcomes of the evaluation, determines strategies to help individual maximise his/her abilities to participate in daily activities at home, school (if relevant), work, and in the community environment. Successful or productive results are noted through increased performance, improved adaption, and enhanced participation in essential or meaningful routine activities, patient satisfaction, improved health and wellness, and successful transitions to new environment and roles.  The factors can also assist individual, family members, and OT team to appreciate accomplishments, transfer focus and review priorities of the intervention plan if required.
Occupational Therapy Practitioners help people suffering from Autism to adjust activities and conditions to match their requirements and capabilities. Such help may include adapting the environment for those with autism to minimise external distractions, finding them custom designed computer software that are able to facilitate communication, and recognising skills people need to address challenges or accomplish certain routine tasks.
These occupational therapy services are provided in the settings where patients engage in daily living activities such as child care centre, preschool, school, home, workplace, and adult care centres, etc. The role of the occupational therapist may be as a provider of direct services as a consultant or a coach to educators, corporate workers, teams, and family members.

Looking for a career opportunity in occupational therapy? Visit Your World Healthcare UK at http://www.yourworldhealthcare.co.uk/ or contact our specialist job consultants at 020 7220 0811.

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