Abstract
The current practice of occupational therapy services provided for children with autism spectrum disorders in Victoria, Australia was investigated - specifically, practice in terms of the theories, assessments and intervention strategies utilised. Identification of professional development needs was also explored. The purpose was to identify how occupational therapy practice may have changed over the last decade and to explore what additional developments are required in the field. A self-administered survey was mailed to 322 registered members of Occupational Therapy Australia Limited, Victoria Branch. A valid response rate of 20.5% was obtained. The majority of the participants worked in private practice, and had between one and five years of work experience. Theories, assessments and interventions that are associated with or based on, sensory integration and/or processing approaches are highly utilised by the participants in their service delivery with children with autism spectrum disorders. Participants indicated that they felt they needed training and courses around sensory integration. We concluded that there were few changes in occupational therapy practice related to the selection of theoretical models, assessments and interventions by the participants in this study over the last decade. It is essential for occupational therapists not to neglect the goals of providing occupation-based interventions to children with autism spectrum disorders by focusing only on sensory-based approaches. An urgent need for occupation-based approaches to working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families is required.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.