OTility.com

Brain clue may explain why some autistics avoid hugs

txgirl — 2/12/2010 12:34:09 AM

Delays at crucial points during the development of the brain in the womb may explain why people with a condition linked to autism do not like hugs.
A study in mice with fragile X syndrome found wiring in the part of the brain that responds to touch is formed late.
The findings may help explain why people with the condition are hypersensitive to physical contact, the researchers wrote in Neuron.
It also points to key stages when treatment could be most effective.

It also has implications for the treatment of autism since the changes in the brains of fragile X and autistic people are thought to significantly overlap

Professor Peter Kind, study author

Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutant gene in the X chromosome that interferes in the production of a protein called fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP).
Under normal circumstances, the protein directs the formation of other proteins that build synapses in the brain.
Boys are usually more severely affected with the condition - which is the leading known cause of autism - because as they have only one X chromosome.
In addition to mental impairment, hyperactivity, emotional and behavioural problems, anxiety and mood swings, people with fragile X also show what doctors call "tactile defensiveness", which means they do not make eye contact and do not like physical contact and are hypersensitive to touch and sound.
Connections
By recording electrical signals in the brains of mice, bred to mimic the condition, the researchers found that connections in the sensory cortex in the brain were late to mature.
This "mistiming" may trigger a domino effect and cause further problems with the correct wiring of the brain, they concluded.
The study also found these changes in the brain's connections occur much earlier than previously thought, midway through a baby's development in the womb.
And it suggests there are key "windows" when treatments for fragile X and autism could be most effective, they said.
Professor Peter Kind, who led the study at the University of Edinburgh, added: "We've learned these changes happen much earlier than previously thought, which gives valuable insight into when we should begin therapeutic intervention for people with these conditions.
"It also has implications for the treatment of autism since the changes in the brains of fragile X and autistic people are thought to significantly overlap."
Dr. Gina Gómez de la Cuesta, from the National Autistic Society, said research into fragile X syndrome could help understanding of certain aspects of autism.
"Autism is common in people with fragile X syndrome, however there are many other causes of autism, most of which are not yet fully understood.
"Understanding how the brain works when a person has fragile X syndrome could help put some of the pieces together about what is happening in the brain when a person has autism, but it is not the whole story.
"Animal research can tell us a lot about genetics and the brain, but it is only a small part of the picture and further research would be required before we fully understand any links to autism."

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8511100.stm

Wanted: Men For Occupational Therapy Jobs

txgirl — 1/26/2010 11:15:21 AM

Unemployed males looking for a new career path could turn to occupational therapy. It's one of the many health-related jobs growing during the economic down turn. It's also a field traditionally dominated by women. Females make up 90 percent of workers and men 10 percent, and recruiting males into the field has been a challenge.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122970930

Did Autism Rates Double?

txgirl — 10/5/2009 9:04:07 PM

"Parents are reporting cases of autism at double the rate of the last U.S. government survey in 2003, prompting calls for more research and spawning doubts about the true number of children affected."

Article here: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/estimated-number-children-autism-doubles/story?id=8737978

Helping Hands - Monkey Helpers for the Disabled

Administrator — 8/19/2009 10:06:48 AM

Lester Holt reports on how these little animals are assisting and providing companionship to the disabled. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEpJf5-IYwM and http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/

RE: Handling Horrible Handwriting

OTBug — 3/6/2009 9:01:59 AM

Thanks for sharing Here is another good article I found. This one focuses more on some reasons why a child's handwriting may be sloppy and illegible, such as poor posture, low fine motor and visual motor skills, or strength and coordination. It also give a few ideas on how to improve posture and legibility. "HANDWRITING IS A COMPLEX PROCESS. It engages the core muscles in the trunk of the body and those in the arm, hand and fingers. Handwriting also takes developmental readiness and the ability to integrate visual information with the appropriate motor response. Problems in any of these areas can be a serious roadblock to kids learning to put pencil to paper." To read more go to: http://www.shfamily.com/bin/view/magazine/health_march_2009_when_handwriting_hurts OTBug

Handling Horrible Handwriting

Administrator — 3/5/2009 11:34:27 PM

Alyssa Zelkowitz wrote an article on a the Special Ed Scholastic blog that might interest some regarding handwriting problems and some quick fixes that can be implemented to smooth things over on a daily basis in the classroom:

There are many possible reasons for handwriting problems in your students, including lack of practice, lack of teaching (if a student enters your class/school not having had any penmanship instruction), and a poor grip on the pencil/other writing implement. Additionally, students with special needs who receive occupational therapy often struggle with fine motor control and manual dexterity, both of which can make holding and controlling a pencil or other tool difficult or even painful

Read more here: http://blogs.scholastic.com/special_ed/2009/03/handling-horrible-handwriting.html

OT RAP

Administrator — 3/5/2009 3:14:11 PM

If anyone hasn't seen the OT RAP song.. here's your chance:

It's been 90 years since O.T. came out in the game And whoa look where we came from and what we became 'Member when O.T. was all up in the asylums Now we in hospitals, schools, and the rehab gym To begin, why you think O.T. will be given The doc refers us to make you functional again And when you feel like you'll never be independent again The O.T. will be in to assist you and your kin Asking what you want to work on first That's right, O.T. is client-centered We work with your goals and provide meaningful occupations to help you have a healthy lifestyle Now lets talk about the clients we work with There's a lot, so let me break it down for you a bit There's people with physical disabilities to begin We also work with kids and in geriatrics Mental health, and neurological disorders too. Britney Spears could probably use some O.T. up in her hood Now, O.T. is about helpin' People improve their skills for the job of livin' Let it sit inside your head that quality of life is significant And people should live their lives to their fullest That's where O.T. is turning disabilities into higher possibilities Come again (WFOT) come again, (we got AOTA) come again (OTAC), come again (OTs join them!) P.T.'s we love you and you can work it out But we're here to show people what O.T.'s are all about O.T., O.T., O.T. (2x-this line) The second verse is dedicated to the therapy We provide to maximize people's skills and abilities Well, first we assess and evaluate areas of concern To create an intervention plan that's individual ...and not stern We also offer comprehensive home and work site interventions With adaptation recommendations and meaningful occupations Cause occupation affects health and well-bein' And by occupations we mean your tasks of daily livin' Like learnin', workin', playin', and carin' for you and your family We help restore or improve your physical and mental abilities We teach new and old skills through purposeful activity That can help prevent future injury and shows some creativity So where you gon' go when you're havin' trouble in school Where you gon' go when you need help with self-care too Where you gon' go when you need some adaptive tools uh huh, O.T. come again Yo yo Come again, come again, come again Watch out watch out, look out look out, (for the O.T's) Watch out watch out, look out look out. (for the O.T.'s) P.T.'s we love you and you can work it out But we're here to show people what O.T.'s are all about O.T., O.T., O.T. (2x-this line) P.T.'s we love you and you can work it out But we're here to show people what O.T.'s are all about O.T., O.T., O.T. (2x-this line)

35th Annual Maddak Awards - April 25, 2009

Administrator — 3/4/2009 12:33:52 PM

35th Annual MADDAK AWARDS
2009 AOTA Conference
Houston, TX
April 25, 2009

The Maddak Awards Program was started to provide a forum for Occupational Therapists and students to share their ideas and innovations with each other.

It is our tribute to the creativity, ingenuity and dedication of Occupational Therapists (OT) and students who are continually looking for new ways to enhance the rehabilitation of their clients. The OT is a born innovator - always looking for something that is "just a little better" for their clients' needs. When the right products can't be found or don't exist, the OT makes it. These inventions and innovations are important because they satisfy a need in the patient's rehab process.

The program is held in conjunction with the AOTA Annual Conference. The local chapter head chooses the judges.

The 2009 Maddak Awards will be held during the AOTA Conference in Houston, TX. Entry set-up and judging will be on the morning of Thursday, April 23, 2009. The Awards breakfast to announce the winners will be on the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2009. More detailed info to come.

Entries are classified into two categories: Professional and Student. Prizes are awarded as follows:

Professional

1st Prize $1,000.00
2nd Prize $500.00
3rd Prize $100.00

Student

1st Prize $500.00
2nd Prize $250.00
3rd Prize $150.00

Rules

1. Contestant may not enter any product that is commercially available.
2. You must notify Maddak at the time of entry submission if funding or financial aid was received to develop the invention.
3. Contestant, or a designated representative, MUST be available the morning of Thursday, April 23, 2009 for entry setup up and judging.
4. Contestant, or designated representative, MUST be present at Awards Breakfast on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at .

Entry Submission

1. Complete, and then print out the Entry Form.
2. Include a detailed description of design and function of product.
3. Include photograph of product in use or a sketch, to scale, of the invention.

Please note that all entries remain the property of the developer. Marketing rights remain the property of the developer and no commitment or intent of commitment is implied by participation in the contest.

Entry Forms are due no later than Wednesday, April 01, 2009.

Send to:

Maddak Awards Coordinator
Maddak Inc.
6 Industrial Road
Pequannock, NJ 07440

Voice: 973-628-7600
Fax: 973-305-0841
Email: AwardsCoordinator@maddak.com

Robot helps stroke victims to grasp objects!!!

txgirl — 2/19/2009 10:36:39 PM

This is interesting:

A hand-holding robot can help partially-paralysed stroke patients regain their ability to grasp and pick up objects, according to a new study.
The therapy uses a computer-driven robot, which has a metal 'hand' that wraps around and opens and closes the patient's fingers.
The technology was found to help significantly reduce a patient's disability long after a stroke had occurred.

more here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1149562/Robot-helps-stroke-victims-grasp-objects.html

Caseload vs Workload in School System

LisaOT — 2/3/2009 7:45:07 PM

I work in a the public schools and our district is working on a a Workload Plan for the district. It will be a guide for the district to use to make sure they have enough special education staff to do all the work required. I am on the committy to represent the OT/PT department. 1) Does anyone have a sample of a work load plan or know what their district guidlines are? 2) I remember seeing some articles from AOTA about workload vs Caseload,but now I can't find them. Any idea where they are? 3) In our district speech therapists have a caseload limit of 60 students. I am thinking that the COTAs and PTAs should have the same limit. There is currently no limit. The assistants of course do not have to do case-management that the speech therapists do. 60 Students is 12 students a day and we have found that to be a really full day. I am thinking that full time therapists should have a caseload limit of about 25-30 and part time therapists a caseload of about 15-20, because of all the evaluations and meetings, and other responsibilities. 4)Really should case load be determined by the number of students or the number of minutes we see students? 5) Any ideas on how to set guidelines for the real workload, not just caseload? Please share any thoughts, experiences, or advice. Lisa from Central IL

Re: school based OT

Sandra — 1/28/2009 9:25:49 PM

OTGirl, at our school district, push-in services mean that the therapist goes in the classroom to work with the child individually on his IEP goals. The main reason for push-in services is to help the child generalize skills that he can now preform in a 1:1 setting. It also allows the therapist to be more involved in the child's class environment and see where he struggles the most. Hope this is helpful..

school based OT

OTgirl — 1/28/2009 12:31:31 PM

Hi I'm a fairly new school based OT. I have traditionally done a lot of pull-out services but I'm now at a school that is requesting push-in OT services for a student 1x a week. I guess I just want to know what exactly my role is. Am I there more as a consultant? or do I pull a chair up next to my student and work directly with him in the classroom? Thanks so much. I don't want to step on any toes but I don't want to look like an idiot either! lol

RE: OT or OTA?

Ashely — 1/12/2009 10:36:55 PM

[QUOTE]I have a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Community Services w/a minor in Psychology. I want a career in Occupational Therapy. [/QUOTE] Your masters degree might cost you much less is you sign up to work at a community service center as an OT once you graduate. My friend got $10,000 scholarship for a 12 month commitment. [QUOTE] I have $80,000 worth of debt from my Bachelor degree. I have 30 years to repay that... so I will pay it off... but I am not wanting to get much more in debt for this degree... It would be much more economical for me to become an OTA, which will cost me about $9,000 for an associates, but I will be making about $33,000-$37,000 once I get out... [/QUOTE] It's a lot of debt but as others said before me - you have the rest of your life to pay it off. I think your figures on today's salaries are a bit off (depending on your area of practice and location). The salaries for new grad OTs in the New York area are about 20% higher. Depending on your work site, you might get a 100% student loan cancellation. check out this: http://www.otility.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=158&mid=460

Re: OT or OTA?

AmBian — 1/12/2009 7:16:35 PM

i would go all to OTR. Aim high or don't aim at all.

Re: OT or OTA?

txgirl — 1/12/2009 6:17:47 PM

I feel the same way. The additional debt is scary but I rather be an OT and have the rest of my life to repay this debt with a higher salary.

Re: OT or OTA?

Sandra — 1/11/2009 8:56:16 PM

Hi, I can answer some of your questions: It is true that you can get a reimbursement from some companies and scholarships if you commit to work in a specific setting (or in a specific area). However, I'm thinking that having additional $50k in debt is not that much considering you have a full career ahead of you. As on OT, based on your figures, you'll be making at least 12k more every year. The additional debt could be paid off in a matter of a few years just with the additional salary. OTA seems the easy way out to me which you might regret in a few years. Good luck!

OT or OTA?

kadi1013 — 1/10/2009 3:14:02 PM

Hello... I have a questions for you all. I have a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Community Services w/a minor in Psychology. I want a career in Occupational Therapy. I know that I have choices about OT and OTA. I have $80,000 worth of debt from my Bachelor degree. I have 30 years to repay that... so I will pay it off... but I am not wanting to get much more in debt for this degree... It would be much more economical for me to become an OTA, which will cost me about $9,000 for an associates, but I will be making about $33,000-$37,000 once I get out... so will be making much more than what I can make right now and have an actual occupation. I would really like to be an actual OTR though, because of the independence it would allow me... In order to do that I'd have to get my masters in OT. My fear is that it will cost me upwards of $50,000 to get my masters and become a registered OT... but my salary after that would be closer to $45,000-$50,000... $130,000 of debt for a this... SCARY! I have heard that you can get a lot of tuition reimbursement and rewards from some companies for this... is that true?? A little background on ME- I am interested in integrative therapies such as yoga, art therapy, music therapy, relaxation techniques, and overall health and wellness. I am also interested in the therapy/psychology aspect of occupational therapist. As far as my work personality, I am able to work with a team, but definitely see myself as a leader and am an independent thinker. I have good problem-solving skills and am very out-going. I am nervous that as an OTA I would find myself running into conflicts with my supervisor. Although, this has not been a problem for me in the past... I've had supervisors that I worked well with... and can generally do as I'm told if I understand why. Let me know what you think. If you wouldn't mind giving me your response and some feedback I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Re: Occupational Therapy = Best Career :)

Jenna — 1/8/2009 7:30:45 PM

Funny thing is that I had no idea it's such a highly regarded profession prior to entering the OT world. Lucky me (and all other OTs)

Re: Interview for admission into OT program - I had one!

Jenna — 1/8/2009 7:28:04 PM

@Sandra - I had an informal interview with an academic advisor from the OT department. I was asked a couple of questions about my previous studies (I started with a different major and transferred), my plans for the future, and 1 additional question: "Why Occupational Therapy?" @JayOT - good luck on your interview. what school do you plan to attend?

Re: Interview for admission into OT program

Sandra — 1/8/2009 6:45:24 PM

I don't remember going through an interview prior to admittance. Is this a new procedure because of high demand for OTs?