Undergraduate - UnitOCC4142 - Occupational therapy for school aged children with disabilities

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Synopsis

This unit covers occupational therapy for students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The impact that disability can have on the child's body structure and function (motor, sensory, perceptual, behavioural); capabilities in daily occupations and activities related to school and other life contexts will be covered. Environmental influences that impact the child (culture, institutional and attitudinal barriers) will be explored. Interventions will emphasize a skill building, strengths based approach. Current intervention methods will be presented including family centred functional therapy; goal directed therapy; conductive education and techniques that recognize environmental interventions that promote the student's inclusion within family, educational and community environments.

Outcomes

1. Compare the WHO ICF, Social model of disability, the premises of the United Nations Charter on the rights of the child and occupational therapy practice for students with neurodevelopmental disability.

2. Evaluate the impact of culture and environmental influences on the capabilities and participation of school aged children with neurodevelopmental disability.

3. Accurately describe the most common causes and co-existing conditions that occur with a diagnosis that results in developmental and functional challenges.

4. Design an occupational therapy program that is appropriate for a specific school aged child, from the perspective of one of the major approaches that facilitates the participation of children with neurodevelopment disabilities in daily life.

5. Evaluate impairments of body structure and function in school aged children with developmental and functional challenges.

6. Evaluate a school aged child with a motor challenge who has limitations in self care, leisure and play skills and preschool or school related productive occupations.

7. Select appropriate occupational therapy intervention to improve a school aged child's capabilities in childhood occupations.

8. Develop learner centred goals and explain the occupational therapy management options for improving the school aged child's participation in home, school and community life.

9. Demonstrate creation of family centred occupational therapy goals and home programs, including professional report writing skills appropriate to the needs of parents.

10. Critique evidence based practice approaches to occupational therapy for students with neurodevelopment disability.

Assessment

Assessment includes attendance requirements, a 30 minute presentation at a seminar (20% of mark) and submission of a 1,000 word summary (10% of mark), and active participation in online discussion boards, research reviews and proposals and short quizzes (3,500 words total over 8 weeks), contributing to the final grade (70%).

Chief examiner(s)

Helen Bourke-Taylor

Contact hours

3 per week

Off-campus attendance requirements

80 percent

Prerequisites

Complete first year occupational therapy degree