Animals, circus acts and magic tricks are turning occupational therapy into a fun activity and gaining results with children, according to USC occupational therapy lecturer Dr Ann Kennedy-Behr.
Dr Kennedy-Behr and University of Queensland Emeritus Professor Sylvia Rodger have edited a book which outlines these techniques in a hands-on guide for clinicians and OT students.
The Occupation-Centred Practice with Children: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapists details evidence-based approaches for working with children and families, including coaching, interventions within schools and using animals.
“Activities like learning to perform card tricks are fantastic motivators – they let children focus on a fun activity or experience while also improving their motor skills and self-confidence,” Dr Kennedy-Behr said.
“It was fantastic getting to work with some extremely experienced and talented authors both from Australia and around the world.”
Occupation-Centred Practice with Children, published by Wiley, is expected to be used as a required text for OT degrees at universities across Australia and Europe.
Dr Kennedy-Behr said she was honoured to have co-edited the book with Professor Rodger who died recently.
“Sylvia was extremely well regarded within the OT field and was considered a leading expert on working with children with autism,” she said.
“I’ll be promoting the book in her memory.”
