Ken Said:

Need inservice ideas for Occupational Therapy presentation!?

We Answered:

There are 2 exercises that are great - although you may have done them.

The first is to have all the adults stand in 2 lines facing each other about 15 feet apart. Each person has a partner across from them. They walk toward each other staring at each others eyes and stop when they feel the need to stop looking at the other person's eyes. It helps to realize that while extended eye contact is not easy for typical adults, it can be excruciating for children with special needs and shouldn't be forced but encouraged.

The other is to have one adult stand calmly while several others have other assignments to distract that adult - making noises, turning on and off lights, talking, moving around and in front. Just a visual example of how children with sensory issues may feel in some environments.

Another thing that I find important for sensory are the visual cues - cutting through everything else to make sure that a child with sensory issues can understand and communicate in every environment.

Another great topic would be how to distinguish between behavior and sensory needs.

Tracy Said:

The best occupational therapy in Malaysia?

We Answered:

Try asking the question again in the Malaysia section. I don't believe you'll find your answers in the US forum. Simply scroll down the page and find the appropriate flag for Malaysia.

Claude Said:

Any ideas for a inservice topic for a Occupational Therapy presentation?

We Answered:

How about the effects of chewing gum in the classroom!

Darlene Said:

Does anyone have any ideas on calming a 7 year old with autism and adhd?

We Answered:

Here are some ideas from a parent of 2 children with autism and adhd. As for your child acting out in public,children with Adhd and Autism often have very, very short attention spans and prone to having sensory overload. When going out in public does he have something like a blanket that he can take along as a comfort measure? You might want to try taking activities along for him to do (drawing, books,etc..) Avoid legos, they drive kids with autism and adhd up a wall!
Your child may very well need medication. Ask you doctor about a cocktail of drugs. My son takes Luvox and Risperdal everyday. We can tell when he misses a dose! He get more aggressive, acts out, is hard to redirect.
May I suggest that the parents get on some sort of anti-depression medication. Having a special needs child can be VERY harrowing!!!
If you need any more help don't hesitate to ask. We can arrange a way to chat.