Earn CE Credit With AJOT Articles!
Learn about tested treatment strategies by reading AJOT articles in your area of practice. Become an evidence-based practitioner and demonstrate your knowledge by passing the course exam. Articles have been selected for their relevance to practice, fresh ideas, and strong evidence supporting treatment and the distinct value of OT.
Credit: .1 CEUs (1.25 NBCOT PDU’s/1 contact hour)
Authors
Fern Silverman, EdD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Director, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Education and Rehabilitation, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA;
Andrea Carr Tyszka, MS, OTR/L, SIPT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Education and Rehabilitation, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This qualitative study was part of efforts to develop and analyze specialized sensory-friendly, community-based programming at a local museum for families with children or young adults with sensory processing issues.
METHOD. A qualitative, descriptive framework was used, aimed at uncovering the experience of families in attendance. Using convenience sampling, 46 participants were recruited from six separate cohorts of parents across a 1.5-yr period, using a community-based action research approach.
RESULTS. Survey and interview data suggest that specialized programs with appropriate modifications in place improved the quality and the duration of museum visits for families with children or young adults with sensory processing needs, promoting both participation and well-being.
CONCLUSION. Adapted community events that increase participation in context may be a promising intervention to support well-being for people with disabilities and their families.
Learning Objectives
Following this course, the learner will be able to:
1. Describe features of community-based programs, such as science museums, that may be barriers to children or young adults with sensory processing challenges
2. List strategies and modifications that can be implemented to create specialized sensory-friendly community programming for families with children or young adults with sensory processing needs
3. Discuss occupational therapy’s role in facilitating participation in context to support well-being for individuals with disabilities and their families and opportunities for collaboration with community organizations
Exam questions for this course authored by Marie Morreale, OTR/L, CHT
Learning Level: Advanced
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content Focus: Category 1: Domain of OT; Category 2: OT Process: Intervention
CE Find Key Words: Sensory Processing, Sensory Environment, Participation, Community
Reference Information:
Silverman, F., & Tyszka, A. C. (2017). Centennial Topics—Supporting participation for children with sensory processing needs and their families: Community-based action research. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 7104100010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.025544