Can Occupational Therapy Help with ADHD?

-
I chose to listen to the podcast “Can Occupational Therapy Help with ADHD?”. I chose this podcast because of my interest in ADHD. My 7-year-old brother was diagnosed with ADHD back in December and my mom really struggled with what to do next. The doctor suggested medication, but she was hesitant just because of his age and the unknown of his reaction and the side effects. She didn’t want him to be labeled as the trouble maker, or the kid who can’t keep his hands to himself or can’t listen. Occupational Therapy is something I did mention to her but I am going to have her listen to this podcast and hope it gives her more insight like it did for me. 
I enjoyed listening to Dr. Landcaster talk about the “just right challenge” and what that can look like for children with ADHD. What I learned is it’s all about finding what works best for the child on an individual level. She described the brain as a car engine. She would as, “Is the engine in neutral or really low where it can’t go anywhere, or is it revved up and going too fast where it also can’t go anywhere?”. Finding strategies to get their brain or car engine back in the middle where it can function just right is the goal. Finding these strategies and what works could be done through an Occupational Therapy evaluation. Minor changes in the environment or routine could be just what a child needs to increase performance through daily life. Changes could impact mental health and even increase school performance. It’s important when you recognize these behaviors to seek out help. Its most effective when you come together as a team (parent, teacher, OT) to implement the strategies or minor changes the child needs. Overall, this podcast was really beneficial and I can’t wait to share it with others. 


Comments

  1. Dr. LancasterApril 5, 2019 at 8:26 PM

    I'm so glad you found value in listening to this podcast, Bailey.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

1950’s-Today

-
In 1952 around 21,000 Americans became ill with Polio. Polio is caused by the poliovirus that can potentially infect the brain and spinal cord resulting in paralysis. As you can imagine, the need for rehabilitation increased during this time in attempt to decrease symptoms the poliovirus caused. Occupational therapist at this time were using therapeutic methods such as knitting and weaving to help individuals gain back independence. There was also an increase use of hydrotherapy during this time.   Unfortunately, several thousand polio survivors are now experiencing new weaknesses and pains relating to their previous disease. Occupational therapist are still working with these individuals to help regain independence and adapt to different environments. Although therapist today have access to newer technology and adaptive equipment, the effects of polio and its treatments are similar even after so many years. 
Read more

Locus of Control

-
Locus of control refers to how an individual perceives what happens to them. An individual can have an internal or external locus of control. If you have an internal locus of control you take responsibility for the things that happen and focus on the things you can control rather than the things you can’t. An individual who has an external locus of control often blames uncontrollable events on others or things around them. They don’t necessarily take responsibility like individuals who have an internal locus of control. Understanding individual’s locus of control allows us to communicate and understand them more effectively.  As a future occupational therapist, it’s important to recognize our client and colleague’s locus of control in order to understand how they respond to our interactions with them. Erik Meira (2016), a physical therapist, wrote in a blog post that locus of control can even explain why some patients self-discharge after a couple visits and why some never leave. Sh
Read more

Growing Independence - Media Project

-
Image
I have gained so much from the Neuro Aspects of Occupational Performance course. It has been one of my favorite courses thus far. The media project was meaningful for many reasons. One reason I found this assignment significant was because it required me to think outside the box. It required me to be creative and unique. Secondly, it gave me the opportunity to do what an occupational therapist does. Lastly, I was able to apply what I have learned in class. I have learned that intervention is most effective through meaningful and engaging activities. After reading my client’s case study I had to use my creativity to come up with an activity that matched her values, interests so it would be meaningful to her.   Throughout this project I learned that with creativity you can turn anything into something useful and valuable. I realized that fancy equipment and expensive materials isn’t always necessary for a productive intervention. We can often find things around that house that hav
Read more