About this Talk
In this talk, Dr. Pam Diener will discuss the role of occupational therapy (OT) in Rett syndrome, focusing on the goals and techniques that should be customized by each OT to best accommodate the particular daily living needs of the individual with whom they are working. General information will be provided regarding goals and rationale of OT treatment for individuals across the lifespan. Each individual’s behavior requires customization of these general goals, so how OTs customize treatment to increase awareness and integration of sensory stimuli in order to produce meaningful motor responses will be detailed.
Because stereotypies interrupt and dyspraxia effects meaningful motor control, emphasis will be placed on the sensory approaches used to specifically 1) facilitate spontaneous and voluntary cessation of stereotypies and 2) increase independent purposeful use of the arms and their associated postural reactions. The rationale for why certain sensory stimuli are used and how arm use fosters development of postural skills will be explained. Finally, a few small and large pieces of adaptive equipment that are used to aid with developing independence in self-care needs and improve safety with transfers and in shower/tub will be illustrated.