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)

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…

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)

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…

Some children require a great deal of assistance to overcome difficulties in taking in and responding to information from their senses, and to achieve the levels of self-regulation they need to interact with and explore the world around them. This monograph, targeted to a wide array of disciplines from the medical, therapeutic, educational, mental…

This case study describes a developmentally delayed 4-year-old and examines behavioral changes that occurred in occupational therapy using sensory integration (SI) techniques. The use of play observation to measure change following SI treatment is discussed, and the relevance of qualitative methodologies to collecting data on play is demonstrated.…

The Developmental Day School, a 4-year-old demonstration school in Phoenix, is described. The curriculum is based on neurodevelopmental, sensory integrative principles. An interdisciplinary staff integrates communication, daily living, academic, sensorimotor and music components. Self-stimulating behaviors are handled by analyzing the child's…

A rationale and procedures are presented for occupational therapy evaluation of the preschooler whose problems suggest dyspraxia. Two evaluative domains are examined: sensory processing (assessment of tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, auditory and visual functions) and praxis (ideation, motor planning and execution). Procedures include…

A plan is described for effective parent involvement in occupational therapy for the child with sensory integrative dysfunction. Consideration is given to levels of parent-child interaction and parents' ability to accept the child's difficulties. Purposes of parental participation are outlined and a model for evaluation and intervention is…