The benefits of using a scooter board in occupational therapy sessions can be far reaching and can improve upon multiple areas.  In addition, it is one of the most fun tings the kiddos do in therapy.  Check out this short video and example of the many benefits one can reap my using the scooter board. 

The International Institute of Therapeutic Intervention and Learning is a great resource for those utilizing brain entrainment and neurofeedback. Their soundscapes specifically target areas where a client may be having trouble. For those unfamiliar with Brain Entrainment, it refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of periodic external stimuli, most commonly auditory, visual, or tactile. The external stimuli elicit the brain’s ‘frequency following response’, encouraging the brainwaves to align to the frequency of a given medium. FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 10 Hz brainwave is associated with relaxation, so a 10 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the relaxed state in your brain. I have successfully used it with varying conditions including; ADHD, ASD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Sensory Integration. However, one does not have to have a diagnosis to utilize brain entrainment. Positive research on brain entrainment continues to grow and expand.

The Functional Reach (FR) test was developed to provide an assessment tool for balance that was simple, cost effective, and clinically useful for evaluating balance during the common functional maneuver of reaching. (free eval)

The Barthel Index (BI) measures the extent to which somebody can function independently and has mobility in their activities of daily living (ADL) i.e. feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel control, bladder control, toileting, chair transfer, ambulation and stair climbing. The index also indicates the need for assistance in care.

The BI is a widely used measure of functional disability. The index was developed for use in rehabilitation patients with stroke and other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders, but may also be used for oncology patients.

(free eval)

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change, grow, and adapt.

Occupational therapists has expertise in working with ADHD students.  Increasing attention span, developing attention to task, helping with focus, are a few things we do that benefits the student's academic performance.  Here are some great OT recommendations to implement in the classroom to increase success!

It is an unfortunate fact that some of our clients are not in a socioeconomic class that allows for many of life's necessities.  This especially hits our pediatric population hard when this scenario is present. On occasion, we as occupational therapists can assist them through helping parents with access to various governmental programs.  One such means is the Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and a Child Disability Report. Here is the application that I find beneficial to keep on hand. 

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FAQ:

What You Should Know Before You Apply for SSI Disability Benefits for a Child?
Children from birth up to age 18 may get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. They must be disabled and they must have little or no income and resources. Here are answers to some questions people ask about applying for SSI for children.

How does Social Security decide if a child is disabled?
Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children.
• The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
• The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
A state agency makes the disablity decision. They review the information you give us. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people who know about the child.
If the state agency needs more information, they will arrange an examination or test for the child, which we will pay for.

How can I get ready for the disability interview?
• Review this disability starter kit. It includes a checklist and a worksheet to help you gather the information you need. Have this information with you at the time of the interview.
• If you have access to the Internet, you can fill out a Child Disability Report atwww.socialsecurity.gov/childdisabilityreport
• For more information visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/ or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How does Social Security decide if a child can get SSI?
Children can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and if they have little or no income and resources. We also consider the family’s household income, resources and other personal information.

How will I know what Social Security has decided?
We will send you a letter. It can take 3 to 5 months to decide a child’s SSI disability claim. Let us know if your address or telephone number changes so that we can get in touch with you.

Will my personal information be kept safe?
Yes. Social Security protects the privacy of those we serve. As a federal agency, we are required by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 522a) to protect the information we get from you.

The Guide aims to contribute to Occupational Therapy First Responders’ Preparedness for arrival in the field; provide strategies for self-care, coping, healing/recovery before, during and after responding; and strengthen the field performance of occupational therapists in the first responder role.