Argues that the bodies of girls have traditionally been relegated to absent entities within the learning environment, including in physical education. Asserts that a meaningful education, one that embraces embodiment, would balance different types of learning experiences so that the various aspects of being are all considered and blended.…

The Maternal Role Preparation project utilizes an occupational therapy approach to increasing maternal competence in first-time mothers. The four-session program covers topics concerning infants (attachment, sensory systems, developmental abilities) and mothers (the mothering role, physiological changes after childbirth, physical and psychological…

Movement is Fun is a preschool movement program developed by an occupational therapist. Based on sensory integration theory and using movement education concepts, the program's goal is to enhance normal development in 3- to 5-year-old children and provide a vehicle for early identification of developmental delays. (Author/KM)

Thirty-four children (ages 5-16) born to alcoholic mothers were assessed on measures of intelligence, reading, receptive vocabulary, memory for sentences, visual memory, and visual-motor integration. The children were found to be least deficient on intellectual measures and most deficient on memory for sentences and silent and oral readings.…

Children with developmental disabilities often have difficulty with joint attention that can affect more advanced communication skills. This study evaluated the complexity of child engagement behaviors demonstrated by twenty-five, pre-intentional children (age 9 to 25 months), who had developmental disabilities and were at risk for being…

A retrospective study compared hours spent by a schizophrenic adolescent in "time out" before and after initiation of treatment. The study evaluated the effects of sensory integrative treatment on the ability to handle anger and frustration. Results demonstrate the utility of statistical analysis versus visual comparison to validate effectiveness…

The mind/body split internalized in Western culture does not acknowledge the body's role in learning. Three environmental education teachers' techniques for engaging all the senses to enhance other ways of knowing include: a comfortable classroom environment, experiencing the natural environment, playfulness, imagination, storytelling, crafting…

This article discusses findings from the Asperger Syndrome Research Project, which investigated the complex characteristics of children and youth with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Intellectual, academic, social and emotional, and sensory characteristics are described, along with suggestions for professionals and parents for addressing these…

Provides an insightful summation and critique of David Elliott's "Music Matters: A New Philosophy of Music Education." Praises the book for its broad selection of thinkers and diverse array of topics. Claims, however, that the book places undue emphasis on performing and stoops to ridiculing rival theories. (MJP)

Sensory integrative therapy as a treatment for self-injurious behavior (SIB) was contrasted with an attention control condition involving a 15-year-old multiply handicapped boy. Lower rates of SIB during but not following treatment sessions were effected. Effects of such therapies are concluded to be highly variable across individuals. (Author/JDD)

Examination of the first 50 words of three blind children revealed that the early vocabulary paralleled that of seeing children in terms of age and speed of acquisition. Differences between the two groups were related to factors which were highly influenced by experience (including visual experience). (Author/CB)

Outlines a simple classroom demonstration that illustrates Piagetian conservation. Piagetian conservation refers to the illusion of an increase in mass by changing an object's form. This demonstration, done by forming an ellipse with an extension cord, shows that college students are as susceptible to this effect as are young children. (MJP)

The aim of this study was to investigate pediatric occupational therapists' general experience and practice with weighted vests and their impressions about whether weighted vests are effective in changing specific behaviors of children with whom they have used weighted vests. A survey was mailed to a random sample of 514 pediatric occupational…

Presents the results of a study where five-, seven-, and nine-year olds were asked to draw three figures: one standing still and facing them, one standing still in profile, and one running in profile. Half drew from imagination and half drew from models. Discusses the differences between the efforts. (MJP)

An approach to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders is presented that considers the difficulties in relationships and communication secondary to sensory and motor processing deficits. These difficulties are conceptualized as Multisystem Developmental Disorder (MSDD), and case vignettes illustrate typical patterns of MSDD and…