Activities to Address Fine Motor Skills, Strengthening, and Visual Motor Skills

http://www.op97.org/special-education/documents/1FMactivities-final.pdf

Schizophrenia shouldn't be a life sentence. But it will be

Patients used to be given only pills. They respond far better when asked about their lives – that's the bit that costs, though.

Read the article here>>>>http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/nov/14/schizophrenia-recovery-nhs-cuts



The effect of technology on children

While surfing the net I stumbled accross a very interesting blog titled Moving to Learn, which looks at the effect of technology on children, by a leading child development expect.

Follow the links below  to see some of her interesting blog posts. It is a must read for all parents.

http://movingtolearn.ca/2012/child-mental-disorders-illness-or-environment
http://movingtolearn.ca/2012/early-technology-use-limits-imagination
http://movingtolearn.ca/2012/video-games-linked-to-attention-problems

Sensory ideas for young toddlers

Follow link here>>> http://voices.yahoo.com/sensory-ideas-young-toddlers-preschoolers-10415263.html?cat=4

Sensory Integration Therapy - Pediatric OT

Explaining Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) to family members, teachers and children

Follow the link here>>>> http://chicagoplayproject.com/explaining-sensory-processing-disorder-spd-to-family-members-teachers-and-children/

Negative perceptions on mental illness

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. But many people do not see it this way. Rather than viewing a mental illness just like a physical illness, people tend to view it as 'their own fault' and not as a result of an illness. According to research, social stigma associated with mental disorders is a widespread problem. Some people believe those with serious mental illnesses cannot recover, or are to blame for problems. Media coverage of mental illness comprises predominantly negative and pejorative depictions, for example, of incompetence, violence or criminality, with far less coverage of positive issues such as accomplishments or human rights issues.

 

Although I was aware of all of these facts, I recently I find myself reflecting more deeply on the stigma people with mental illness experience. Maybe it is because within my own communities I now clearly see many negative connotations and perceptions associated with having a mental illness. People feel they are 'mad' , 'retarded' or because they have this disability they cannot work or be part of society. In fact within our Indian community of South Africa it is common to label someone as "having nerves" because they may behave in socially inappropriate ways.  I myself  was initially scared and a little nervous to work in a psychiatric unit. Reflecting on that, my fear and nervousness probably stems from the stigma we have in our societies.

Brain Injury Linked To Crime In Young People

A new UK report finds there is a link between brain injury in childhood and crime in young people, and points to evidence that brain trauma can cause maturing brains to "misfire" and disrupt the development of self-restraint, social judgement and impulse control. It calls for more collaboration among health and criminal justice authorities to spot brain injuries early, treat them properly, and ensure they are taken account of throughout the criminal justice process.

Read the rest of the article here>>>> http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251798.php

Bullies twice as likely to have disorder- ABC News

Mental disorders plague many adults who were bullied as children, but a new study suggests that those who had mental health disorders during childhood are three times more likely to become bullies. Researchers at Brown University analyzed survey responses from parents of nearly 64,000 children ages 6 to 17 who were identified as having a mental health disorder, and those who were identified as bullies. An estimated 15 percent of U.S. children in 2007 were identified as bullies by a parent or guardian, according to the responses, which were part of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health.

Play

Signs of Dyspraxia

"Blog it"

My reflections on my first ever blog

 

So at the start of the semester when we were asked to create a blog to share our experiences, I must admit I was slightly apprehensive. Not that I hadn't used social media before, but the idea of pouring out my inner most thoughts and feelings on a public platform was not exactly attractive to me! Nevertheless I decided to give it a try, and… wow! I'm addicted to blogging! I'm constantly thinking about new and interesting blog posts, and when anything significant occurs my first thought is, " I'm so blogging that!'. Frankly, I am a very talkative person and I feel as though countless ideas and thoughts are constantly running through my head that I just have to get out. And I've now found the perfect outlet.. Blog it!

Prac Reflections

I have quite an honest confession to make. For the first time in my 3 years of studying OT, I have really enjoyed working as an OT at my practical venue. As 2nd years we were a bunch of nervous and unsure students, blundering through with great ideas but poor implementation. I admit I often questioned myself repeatedly on the 'point of it all'. It becomes really difficult to gain from something when you cannot see the progress. Last year we did mainly assessments with our patients and did not observe the great impact treatment has on patients.

Group Games - Resources

As explained in my previous post, growth games are a good way of building rapport and cohesion within a group. Here are some links to growth games and warm-up activities to use in your sessions.

Activities for recreation therapy groups

Youth games

youth group games

40_icebreakers_for_small_groups.pdf

Reflection on Growth Games

As a class we participated in a few growth games to develop group cohesion and grow as a class. I think it was a great experience because it helped us develop relationships with our classmates who we had to work with at our practical venues. It was also a learning experience because we had to analyse each game and see if it would be appropriate for patients and at what level.

Review on Girl, Interrupted

As an addition to our lectures on Personality Disorders, we were required to watch the movie Girl, Interrupted. Below are some of my views on the movie, as well as the trailor.

 

The movie "Girl, Interrupted" takes place in the late 60's, starring Wynonna Ryder as Susanna Kaysen, who gets put into  Claymore, a psychiatric hospital.  After staying in the hospital ward for a few months, she gets diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The film is  not so much about the recovery process  as it is about what makes a person choose to recover (or not), and all the factors leading to one's choice to recover. In my opinion the film provides a worthwhile exploration of mental illness and the effectiveness of the mental health care system.

DISABILITY ALL SORTS

A DIRECTORY OF ORGANISATIONS AND RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

 

The link below leads to a directory of organisations and resources for people with disabilities in South Africa.It is a comprehensive directory that would be of value to all South Africans with disabilities, and all those working with people with disabilities.

 

Link >>> DISABILITY ALL SORTS

Simple home modifications for the disabled

As an Occupational Therapist, our intervention often involves adapting the home environment for those with disabilities, especially those on wheelchairs. For those of you interested in architecture or design for the disabled please check the link below:

Simple home modifications for the disabled

 

Tolerant?

Values Clarification

 

Values are basically one's sense of right and wrong, and tend to influence your attitude and behaviour. So where do our values come from? Are they influenced by our culture, religion, friends or society? I think it’s a combination of all four.

 Most of our values are engrained from early childhood into adolescence. Firstly from our parents and family who teach us what is acceptable and what is not. By adolescence we start getting influenced by our friends and other elements in our lives. Negative behaviours may be encouraged, and the values engrained by the parents may be challenged. Culture and religion plays a major role as well. Our roles in society and acceptable behaviours are defined mostly by the cultural and religious norms instilled by our parents. But again societal norms gained from school or friends  challenge these cultural and religious norms.

Wheelchair Training- 2011

Above is a picture of our wheelchair training on campus last year. In order to teach others how to use a wheelchair we have to be familiar with them ourselves. We had to learn the parts, how to assemble a wheelchair and what regular maintenance entails. We also had to learn how to navigate on different terains like grass and concrete, how to go up and down ramps, and how to do 'wheelies' to get up stairs. It was a great learning experience, and after an hour we were all extremely exhausted! I really learnt how difficult life can be for a person with a disability.

Movie Recommendation

Like Stars on Earth   
Taare Zameen Par (original title)

An eight year old boy is thought to be lazy and a troublemaker, until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school. Although I watched this movie many years back, it still sticks out in my mind because I cried continuously. It really touches you deeply, and is a must watch for anyone wanting to work with children. Watch the trailor below:

Diagnosing Dementia

Exclusive Video Interview: Steven Spielberg on his Dyslexia

In this exclusive interview, Steven Spielberg discusses his dyslexia for the first time ever, with Quinn Bradlee of Friends of Quinn.

"When I felt like an outsider, movies made me feel inside my own skill set."
Remarkably, the world famous director of E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Schindler's List, The Color Purple, and Raiders of the Lost Ark was diagnosed with dyslexia only a few years ago. While he wishes that there had been more awareness of LDs in the 50s, he acknowledges the impact of his supportive parents who helped him endlessly with his studies, making sure he did add well as he possibly could in school.

Watch the video here >exclusive-video-interview-steven-spielberg-on-his-dyslexia

Quadriplegic receives computer to help with everyday tasks

Baltimore shooting victim controls device with her eyes to connect, communicate

Read the article here > Paraplegic receives computer

Disabled remain marginalised

Disabled remain marginalised - News24

 

Employers are struggling to meet targets for disabled people in the workplace, the advocacy group I CAN said on Tuesday.

"There is a lack of knowledge on how to include disabled people in the workplace, and coupled with ignorance and fear, companies are just not making the effort," said I CAN head Alison Smeeton.

Casual Day 2012

Some of my amazing OT class, and our supervisors

In September this year, we raised awareness for people with disabilities, by buying and wearing a casual day sticker. Every year there is a different theme for Casual Day. This year it was "All Aboard", where we were encouraged dress up like sailors and pirates, and show our support for those with disabilities. At our practical venue we had a special day planned for the residents, involving special games and food according to the theme. It was great to see all residents joining in, even those who don't regularly attend our group. The fun and activities were a great way to improve the mood of the residents, and gave them something to look forward to. It was over all a great success. Have a look at some of the pictures below to view the fun activities we engaged in.

Autonomy and Culture

Autonomy is a fundamental concept of Occupational Therapy. As OT's we hope that our patients can achieve functional independence to the maximum. Independence doesn't mean being able to perform all tasks without assistance. Sometimes independence can mean performing little tasks or part of a task independently. Just achieving this little independence can make a huge difference to the quality of life of a disabled person. It is activities, or as we call it in OT 'occupation', that adds meaning to our lives.

Before I became accustomed to the OT way of life, I did not realize how vital gaining that little bit of independence can be. Brought up in a traditional Muslim and Indian household, elders and those who are physically or mentally disabled are considered to be of great value to the family, as they bring God's blessing and mercy onto the household. As a result many traditional families such as mine, emphasis the importance of caring for these people as it will earn us great reward. 'Caring' can be quite objective. Often we do what makes us feel good instead of doing what makes the patient feel good. As we feel great sympathy for them, we overcompensate by assisting them in all tasks. Helping makes us feel good, but for the patient loss of independence and relying on others for their every need can become terribly distressing.

"Assistive Devices"

 

 

Today I realized how much we as able bodied people rely on "assistive devices". As a student and a wife, I find it necessary to make use of various devices that make my life so much easier. For example the washing machine and dishwasher are devices that give me much more time to concentrate on OT. For life as a student on the go, I cannot do without my netbook. Smaller than your conventional laptop, it is easier and lighter to carry around, as well as convenient to pop out at any time. Even in the kitchen we cannot do without essentials like the Fryer, food processor, Kenwood chef, and various other beaters and grinders. My new kitchen dream is a pressure cooker- Curries and dolls done in 10 minutes tops! A housewives fantasy! It is now simply a life of convenience. If our ancestors saw us today, they would be horrified at our laziness to say the least! Traditional Indian women back in India, cooked squatting on the floor, beat, ground and washed everything by hand. They kept active right until they were elderly.  This learned helplessness through overreliance on assistive devices and modern technology, has severely disabled us. And then we wonder how did they live longer and healthier lives than us??

A day as a disabled person

The following post is a reflection on spending the day as a disabled person. As a personal growth exercise, we as OT 3rd years were each given a disability to act as closely as possible. We were then required to spend the day at Pavilion Shopping Centre and carry out a list of activities as a person with a disability, to experience the difficulties and stigma people with disabilities experience daily.

The wonderful sound of laughter, the comforting tone of a friend, the warning sound of danger, and the beautiful sound of music; these are just a few things missing in the life of a deaf person. Above all else, communication is a daily struggle! If they are not fortunate enough to be educated in sign language, communication is limited to a few basic gestures, or writing to express one’s needs. In the day I spent trying to understand the struggles of a deaf person, one thing was overwhelmingly clear: life for the deaf is lonely!

Inspiring

Accessible living with OT

Accessible Living with OT from pininterest

 Good for handicap accessibility!

From an Autistic point of view

JOURNEY WITH AUTISM: From an autistic point of view:

"I liked the sound of flowing water and enjoyed pouring water back and forth between orange juice cans; whereas another child may avoid the sound of flowing water. I liked the visual stimulation of watching automatic sliding doors; whereas another child might run and scream when he or she sees an automatic sliding door. ....................................  "

Says Temple Grandin, A 64 year old autistic person, Doctor of animal science and a professor in Colorado state University, USA. In her articles she explains about the sensory, language, social communication and learning issues that she experienced as a person with autism.. It would provide a good insight to parents and professionals about the struggles or voices of autistic children... For a better understanding, follow the link...

http://legacy.autism.com/families/grandin_articles.htm

Resources: Play materials and games for infants and toddlers

JOURNEY WITH AUTISM: Play materials and games for infants and toddler:

Play materials and games for infants and toddler

Age : 0-4 months

Ø Colourful mobile items

Ø Dangling toys

Ø Music carousals

Ø Finger play

Ø Rattles

Ø Rubber or plastic rings

Children With Autism May Benefit From The Introduc...

JOURNEY WITH AUTISM: Children With Autism May Benefit From The Introduc...:
See Link : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/248532.php#.UGElslpOQgc.blogger

Library at Hillcrest

Last semester I did my practical block at Hillcrest Hospital. Below is an article I wrote for our OT Newsletter, describing my personal venture with my supervisor to create a library for the patients.

The third year students doing their practical block at Hillcrest Hospital this year, put together an excellent initiative of creating a functional library for the hospital.

Through interaction with their patients and learning of their interests, many students realized the need for an in-hospital library system that is easily accessible for all patients. Together with the help of Helga Koch(3rd year supervisor) the students requested for shelves to be donated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal to Hillcrest Hospital. The shelves had to then be transported from Howard Campus to Hillcrest Hospital. Patients at the hospital assisted in varnishing the shelves and began with the process of data capturing the books onto a data base. With the help of the OT Technician and fellow students the shelves were assembled and the books were separated into genres. The library is now fully functional and already being utilized by the patients.

Many thanks to Claire Jamison(OT3) who assisted in transportation. Also thanks to Felicity Crouch from Tafta and Helga Koch who donated books towards the library, and the students who assisted in setting up the library. It was a brilliant effort and we are hoping this project will be a motivator for future students to create wonderful initiatives at their practical venues

Really inspiring how these women dance,

despite their Disability...

http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-World/Dancingforthedisabled/Article4-819203.aspx

Occupational Therapy vs. Physiotherapy

 

I often get asked 'So what's the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?', 'Do you also do massages?' etc.

So what is the difference? Have a look at the article below which provides a brief overview.

http://blog.ecaring.com/how-occupational-therapists-help-seniors-get-things-done/

Apathy

Study: Head Lag in Infants Could Mean Autism

*An interesting article I came across*

9-5-12

Study: Head Lag in Infants Could Mean Autism

Findings from Kennedy Krieger study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy

BETHESDA, MD—Delays in an infant’s motor control may be an early indicator for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore examined the association between head lag—poor postural control during a pull-to-sit motion— and autism risk in a sample of 20 high-risk infants (siblings of children with autism) and 21 low-risk infants age 6 months, and a sample of 40 high-risk infants followed prospectively from 6 to 36 months of age.

Role of OT

Have a look at the following link to better understand the vast roles of OT's in various areas, courtesy of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Happy Reading:)
http://www.aota.org/Consumers.aspx

Psychiatric Analysis of Black Swan



 

The following post was composed as an assignment for my Psychopathology Module, where we were required to watch a movie portraying someone with a Psychiatric Disorder. We were then required to submit an analysis about the presentation of the disorder in the movie. I chose the movie Black Swan as it was intriguing on many levels, and the protagonist had many layers to her disorder, making it all the more interesting to analyse.

 

“I had the craziest dream last night. I was dancing the White Swan”. Nina Sayers is a fragile and repressed ballerina, who strives for the lead in Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," a role that will require her to play both the gentle white and the seductive black swans. Nina lives with her controlling mother and constantly strives for perfection. However, this is not enough for her demanding and sexually aggressive director who wants her to ‘lose herself’ in order to dance the seductive black swan to perfection. As the film progresses we see Nina’s descent into psychosis, as the stresses of being the lead ballerina and her mother’s emotional abuse become too much for her fragile state of mind. We see her embracing her role to the fullest and transforming from the virginal, pure white swan into a dark, ominous black swan.

Looking at Nina from a psychiatric point of view, she displayed many psychotic features associated with Schizophrenia. According to the DSM-IV-TR the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia are as follows. The person must experience two (or more) of the following symptoms, each present for a significant portion of time for 1month and lasting more than 6 months: delusions; hallucinations; disorganized speech; grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour; negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening, alogia (poverty of speech), or avolition. They must also experience social or occupational dysfunction, and mood disorders and substance abuse must not be present.

The only disability in Life

A Reflective look at my visit to St. Thomas Children's Home

It was a sunny winters morning when the OT 3rd year students took a trip to the St Thomas Children's Home. Situated in the heart of Sydenham, St Thomas is a safe haven for underprivileged children who may be orphans or may have been removed from their homes due to lack of finances or an abusive relationship.  Working with these children was an interesting and enlightening experience. More than ever it makes you grateful for what  you have. Our morning was spent with boys and girls between the ages of 6-7 years old. We tried to engage them in some physical and competitive activity.  Many of them have developmental delays and some are also delayed in their physical development.

As with kids that age, they have much extra energy and as the weather was in our favour we decided to do an outdoor activity. We divided them into groups of 6 aside with boys and girls separately, and had them participate in relay races for fun and friendly competition. The warm up was a game of popping balloons where each person had a balloon tied to their leg and the aim was to win by popping as many balloons as you can but keeping your balloon safe.  This was a great way for the children to run around and release all their pent up energy. We  had many laughs and it really got everyone in the mood for a fun and exciting morning.

Possibilist!

Welcome to my Blog:)

Hi! A huge welcome to my first blog! I am a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student studying at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban, South Africa. For 3 years I have been juggling married life and OT student life, which has been very challenging to say the least. This blog will serve as an insight into the world of Occupational Therapy through my reflections on all OT related aspects of my life. I will try my best to keep it fun by adding interesting pictures and quotes I may come across. I hope to change many perceptions and attitudes about OT, as well as provide a  good resource for other Occupational Therapists around the world.

I'm sure many of you, like the many people I meet, will be wondering what Occupational Therapy is all about. Simply put Occupational therapy is a health profession whose goal is to help people achieve independence, meaning and satisfaction in all aspects of their lives. OT's treat anyone with injury, illness, disability or psychological dysfunction. Helping  to achieve independence is the main aim of OT. Most humans need independence to boost their self confidence and self esteem. Losing the ability to cope independently in simple activities can be extremely demeaning especially those activities which have meaning to the client. Someone with a physical or psychiatric disability will have difficulty performing basic activities of daily life such as self care, domestic, leisure and/or work tasks. OT's will look to improve components causing the dysfunction(example; treating decreased muscle strength or poor attention and concentration), and if this is not achieved we may teach new methods, make adaptations to the environment or provide assistive devices to ensure the client achieves maximal independence in their activities of daily living. In OT each client is treated holistically. What roles the client plays in his/her life, what activities have meaning for them, and their physical and social environment plays a key role in determining the direction of treatment.

What many people don't realize is that OT's have just as important role to play as the other health professionals. The personal satisfaction that comes from helping someone achieve some independence ,even by something simple like learning to eat or dress independently, can be extremely fulfilling.  Providing purpose to their otherwise meaningless existence can be life changing. With all the stresses we experience as OT students as well as the negative perceptions of other professionals out there, being an OT can be a tough career in South Africa. However, I personally love my profession and I would not want to be anything else for the rest of my life.

Remember a doctor may save your life, but an OT will teach you how to live!