Exercise is healthy for everyone, but it can have a major positive impact on the quality of life for those on the autism spectrum. Exercise doesn’t just help the child or adult with autism, it also has a profound impact on his or her family. There is a tremendous opportunity for those who want to combine their love of exercise and desire to do something exceptionally rewarding and meaningful.

As many of us sit home, we have to look out for the well-being of children that are away from school. They are away from the carefully planned lunchtime protocols that are set in schools. Here is a great guide to help you on a path to great nutrition for your child or for children that you work with.

Many older adults and people with disabilities lead vibrant lives and have valued roles including those of family member, friend,
neighbor, employee or employer and community member. People live in their own homes – either leased or owned - and work and
volunteer in places of their choosing. For older adults there is abundant evidence that people prefer to continue to live independently for as long as possible.

Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in addressing the essential and everyday activities of daily living. Driver rehabilitation,  help individuals remain mobile and independent.

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, or NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a tool used by healthcare providers to objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke. The NIHSS is composed of 11 items, each of which scores a specific ability between a 0 and 4.  
Administer stroke scale items in the order listed. Record performance in each category after each subscale exam. Do not go back and change scores. Follow directions provided for each exam technique. Scores should reflect what the patient does, not what the clinician thinks the patient can do. The clinician should record answers while administering the exam and work quickly. Except where indicated, the patient should not be coached (i.e., repeated requests to patient to make a special effort).

About two thirds of people have vision problems after a stroke. This guide explains the different types of vision problems and how they can be treated, and gives sources of further information and support.

Integrated care holds promise for reducing mental health
disparities for racial and ethnic minority groups, but studies
are lacking. The authors consider critical components
of effective integrated models for minority populations,
including cultural and linguistic competence and a diverse workforce, and describe emerging best practices. To
successfully implement integrated models into practice
with minority populations will require guidance from
communities, consumers and family members, and national
experts.

WHO and public health authorities around the world are acting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.  However, this time of crisis is generating stress throughout the population. The considerations
presented in this document have been developed by the WHO Department of Mental Health and  Substance Use as a series of messages that can be used in communications to support mental and psychosocial well-being in different target groups during the outbreak.

Here is an excellent opportunity for occupational therapy discussions among professionals, peers, and students..  How would you intervene?  Would you intervene? Would you educate the caretakers?  Would you recommend any particular adaptive equipment? Hmmmmm....Let's see. 

Challenging behaviors represent some of the most concerning and stressful features of autism. These behaviors can often cause harm or damage, family and staff stress, isolation, and caregiver burnout. Parents may feel guilty or responsible, but it is important for them not blame themselves for behaviors that they find difficult. Sometimes, the extraordinary steps parents go through for their children with complex needs might not be enough, and additional supports and resources might be necessary. Here is a good point for occupational therapy intervention and teaching.