A single subject design that looks at the use of sensory-based treatment to treat self-injurious behaviors in adults with profound mental retardation across the domains a) demonstrates the clinical reasoning involved in the assessment and treatment planning process, b) documents the efficacy of multiple short treatment sessions spread throughout the day c) presents an alternative model of service provision in which direct care staff provide sensory and adaptive activities under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Reisman found that the use of sensory integration is a valid approach to improve to improve self-injurious behaviors for this population.

This article discusses the benefits of Sensory Diets and how to implement them into the everyday routine. As school-based OT's are not necessarily able to treat sensory issues directly, it is important that strategies are implemented and easily accessed by student's, when necessary and following proper instruction, within the school environment.

There is a big push at the school district I'm in to increase the amount of physical activity students engage in as it as been shown to improve the mental health of children. This article provides evidence of the relationship that exists between physical activity and mental health, as well as the best and safest way to implement physical activity.

This article is a systematic literature review that discusses the benefits of physical activity on the physical and mental health, as well as the school performance of child. The researchers found that school-age youth should participate daily in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is developmentally appropriate, enjoyable, and involves a variety of activities.

Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence

This PDF is a power point presentation of Holly Baber's study of clinical reasoning in the school setting. This study was conducted to understand how occupational therapists make decisions in their practice and determine if a need exists to guide their clinical reasoning in efforts to create consistency amongst occupational therapists, specifically in the school setting.

This article breaks down the roles of OT's and OTA's within the school environment. It also provides insight into the supervision between OT's and OTA's as well as the relationships that must exist between the OT/OTA and the school staff.

This article is article is a fact sheet provided about ATOA about the importance of targeting mental health issues within the school environment and the role OT plays. It provides a definition of what is school mental health and how does it impact a child's success in school. It then breaks down OT's role in treating mental health issues in a variety of contexts within the school environment.

This article discusses the benefit of sensory-based approaches versus seclusion or restraints. This article highlights the important point that although the patient does not have sensory processing issues, sensory-based treatments are a beneficial and much safer approach when working with patients. It is also a good example of collaboration with other health care professionals as it is a nursing article but many of the references are from occupational therapy journals.

This article provides a guideline on how occupational therapists can understand and carryout professional behavior. The author breaks down professionalism in terms of "the vital elements" the heart, mind, and soul and how to apply these aspects in a professional manner. The author highlights the fact that professionalism is a process and grows over time.

This article is the AOTA's position on how to set professional boundaries with patients. The article provides examples of ethical documents within the the profession of OT, such as the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics Standards. It then goes on to define professional boundaries and how to set them. Case study examples are provided for how to set professional boundaries, in a variety of contexts.

This article provides effective tips for improving communication when working with older adults. It includes 29 tips, the rationale behind each tip, and examples on how you would use the tip.

This document provides a guideline of ethical behavior that is expected of all certified occupational therapists. The document outlines standards of conduct, aspirational core values, and enforceable principles of standards of conduct that is expected of all AOTA members when working with various groups, families, organizations, communities, or populations. The document defines the core values of the profession which are Altruism, Equality, Freedom, Justice, Dignity, Truth, and Prudence. It then goes on to breakdown and provide examples of the professions principles and standards of conduct which include: Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy, Justice, Veracity, and Fidelity. Principles and Standards of Conduct The Principles and Standards of Conduct that are enforceable for professional behavior include (1) Beneficence, (2) Nonmaleficence, (3) Autonomy, (4) Justice, (5) Veracity, and (6) Fidelity. Reflection on the historical foundations of occupational therapy and related professions resulted in the inclusion of Principles that are consistently referenced as a guideline for ethical decision making. This document will be useful when ethical dilemmas arise and provide the standards and expected course of actions that we should take when we become licensed, practicing OT's.

This article discusses OT's role when working with individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The article begins by defining PTSD. It then goes on to discuss it's causes and it's epidemiology. The article then breaks down what specifically OT's role is with this population and provides examples of interventions. The document highlights the importance of OT treatment for PTSD as an interdisciplinary team approach with other professions such as social workers, psychologists, physical therapists, etc. The document then provides different types of companies or facilities that individuals' with PTSD can go to when seeking OT services.

In this article researches assessed the effectiveness of sensory-enhanced Hatha Yoga on symptoms of combat stress for deployed military personnel. In this study the researchers compared the anxiety and sensory processing abilities of the deployed military personnel with stateside civilians using the State-Trial Anxiety Inventory scales and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile Quadrants. There was a total of 70 participants, 35 received 3 wks of treatment and 35 did not. The sensory-enhanced hatha yoga was shown to be effective in reducing state and trait anxiety. Researchers also found positive correlations with all test measures excepts sensory seeking, which was negatively correlated with all measures except low registration. These results support the use of sensory enhanced hatha yoga as a proactive approach for stress management for deployed military personnel.

This document provides a breakdown of clinical observation standards for OTAs, limited permit holders, and aides. This document is intended to be used by state agencies and occupational therapy regulatory boards. The document begins by defining the following terms: Aide, Board, Competence, Competency, Limited Permit Holder, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Supervision. The document then goes on to breakdown the various roles and expectations of the different health care professions and the amount/kind of supervision a licensed OT is expected to provide to each profession.

In her Slagle Lecture, Dr. Yerxa discussed the changes that were occurring in the occupational therapy profession during the 60's to become a more professional and respected profession. Dr. Yerxa begins by breaking down the steps the profession has taken to become more professional such as: performing more organized, objectified, and accepted research; implementing workshops, seminars, and study courses outside of the annual conferences; the focus on client-centered treatment; the increased responsibility to contribute to health care fields pool of knowledge and communicate with other professionals. From these changes that occurred, occupational therapy became a more respected and recommended health care profession. This document is important because the aspects discussed throughout the article are important for us to implement into our professional careers to not only advocate for ourselves but for the occupational therapy profession as a whole.

This document provides a broader definition of clinical reasoning that is associated and expected from occupational therapists. Due to the nature of our profession as being client-centered and a mix of artistic and scientific rationale, OT's are expected to provide clinical reasoning that expands beyond the medical model into a meaning-centered, interpretive model. The reason for this expanded clinical reasoning for OT's is that we are not just looking at an individual in terms of their disability, rather we look at an individual in a holistic manner.

This document provides a broader definition of clinical reasoning that is associated and expected from occupational therapists. Due to the nature of our profession as being client-centered and a mix of artistic and scientific rationale, OT's are expected to provide clinical reasoning that expands beyond the medical model into a meaning-centered, interpretive model. The reason for this expanded clinical reasoning for OT's is that we are not just looking at an individual in terms of their disability, rather we look at an individual in a holistic manner.