Posts

Showing posts from January, 2012
Books for Occupational Therapists and OT Students *Adapted from www.goodreads.com 1 Where is the Mango Princess? by   Cathy Crimmins 2 ­­­­ Left Neglected   by   Lisa Genova   3 The Brain That Changes Itself   by   Norman Doidge   4 Still Alice by   Lisa Genova   5 My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey by   Jill Bolte Taylor   6 You Can't Fall off the Floor by   Ralph M. Smith   7 Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's by   John Elder Robison 8 Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and Its Aftermath by  Michael Paul Mason 9 Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by  Michael J. Fox   10 Lisa, Bright and Dark by  John Neufeld   11 Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work by  Matthew B. Crawford   12 The Game of My Life: A True Story Of Struggle, Triumph, and

Free Rehabilitation Screenings - Bryson City, NC

MedWest Health System is sponsoring the following free screenings in February at MedWest-Swain Rehabilitation Services on the MedWest-Swain campus in Bryson City, NC : ·Feb. 6:  Balance screening by Robyn Duncan, PT, from 9-10 a.m. ·Feb. 15:  Shoulder pain screening by Gabe Peterson, PT, from 2-3 p.m. Sign up for a screening by calling (828) 488-4009 and find out more details about the screenings at www.medwesthealth.org.

End to the Autism Epidemic....?

The DSM has been revised many times in the past, but never has it stirred up much controversy than it has now, with the proposed change in the definition and diagnosis criteria for Autism. The APA is currently completing work on the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which will be published in 2013. The DSM is the standard reference that healthcare providers use to diagnose mental and behavioral conditions. As such, it influences availability of treatments as well as insurance coverage. Under the   current definition , a person can qualify for an ASD diagnosis by exhibiting at least 6 of 12 behaviors that include deficits in social interaction, communication or repetitive behaviors. Under the   proposed definition , the person would have to exhibit three deficits in social interaction and communication and at least two repetitive behaviors. The APA has also proposed that a new category be added to the DSM – Social Communication Disorde

Fieldwork Survival Guide, as per AOTA

Prior to starting my Level II fieldwork I had looked through this manual and absorbed every tip and suggestion I possibly could. This helped me tremendously as I was prepared to take on any challenge provided by my supervisor. I made sure to research the site, diagnoses, interventions (with back-up plans), and appropriate assessments before my first day.  Some things I would suggest you definitely brush up on: -Transfer techniques -Range of Motion and MMT -Know how to write Progress Notes (SOAP notes)! and -GOALS (SMART, RHUMBA, FEAST..whichever you've learned) Most importantly, ASK QUESTIONS! Show your supervisor you care and are interested. INITIATE! *For the AOTA Fieldwork Survival Guide, follow the link below. http://www.aota.org/Students/Current/Fieldwork/Survival-Guide.aspx (www.aota.org, 2006).

Useful OT Resources, and more..

American Occupational Therapy Foundation Includes clinical factsheets and information on scholarships, research and the Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. www.aotf.org OTseeker a free database of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy and evidence-based practice. http://www.otseeker.com/ Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners US biweekly news magazine for Occupational Therapists www.advanceforot.com Allen's Cognitive Levels Assessments   Assessment tools to provide an initial estimate of cognitive function www.allen-cognitive-levels.com Sensory Integration International Features training, therapists listing and other resources on Sensory Integration. www.sensoryint.com OT Works   Canadian site run by CAOT mainly for non-OTs, but with some articles giving an overview of the profession and careers information. www.otworks.com OT Now   New site with original content including case studies, etc. www.otnow.com AMPS   Th

Now, what is Occupational Therapy, really?

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.” ~   Mohandas K. Gandhi Most people are familiar with the abbreviation of "OT", but what is occupational therapy really? I’ve heard people answer, “Well, it goes hand-in-hand with Physical Therapy” or “We work with children with Autism.” Most Occupational Therapists stumble upon words trying to explain their profession. Yes, we work with children on the spectrum. Yes, our work is characteristic to that of the scope of Physical Therapy. But what sets Occupational Therapy apart from Physical Therapy is that the core of occupational therapy as a profession is held together by the concept of occupation; Occupation, or any activity, which is meaningful, or necessary, to an individual to live a full, independent life. It is an Occupational Therapy mantra that occupation can facilitate the restoration of function. Henceforth, OTs use "functional" act