Early Intervention in Children (0–6 Years) with a Rare Developmental Disability: The Occupational Therapy Role

Lucy Dall'Alba; Marion Gray; Gary Williams; Sharon Lowe

doi:10.1016/j.hkjot.2014.12.001

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Early Intervention in Children (0–6 Years) with a Rare Developmental Disability: The Occupational Therapy Role

Journal article

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Early Intervention in Children (0–6 Years) with a Rare Developmental Disability: The Occupational Therapy Role

Lucy Dall'Alba, Marion Gray, Gary Williams and Sharon Lowe

Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol.24(2), pp.72-80

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkjot.2014.12.001

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Abstract

early intervention

occupational therapy

rare developmental disabilities

Objective/Background: This study aims to explore the occupational therapists' role in early intervention for children diagnosed with a rare developmental disability. Methods: A survey was distributed by mail or online, to eligible occupational therapists currently used by the Disability and Community Care Services throughout Queensland, Australia. Eligible occupational therapists were those working with children aged 0-6 years. Two in-depth phone interviews were also undertaken. Results: Eleven participants who had previously worked with at least one child with a rare developmental disability returned the survey. One participant nominated for a follow-up interview and a second interview with a speech and language pathologist was conducted to gain a multidisciplinary perspective. The most common areas requiring intervention were play support (85.3%), activities of daily living, communication, gross motor, and fine motor skills (79.4%). Conclusion: Family-centred practice, play therapy, and individually tailored programmes are identified as key practice areas for this population. The important role occupational therapists play in early intervention teams is highlighted; however, further research is needed to develop the evidence base for best practice with particular rare developmental conditions.

Details

Title: Early Intervention in Children (0–6 Years) with a Rare Developmental Disability: The Occupational Therapy Role
Authors: Lucy Dall'Alba (Author) - James Cook University
Marion Gray (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Gary Williams (Author) - James Cook University
Sharon Lowe (Author) - Disability and Community Care Services
Publication details: Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol.24(2), pp.72-80
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.hkjot.2014.12.001
ISSN: 1569-1861
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449361402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Rehabilitation

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