Neuro-Occupational Therapy

What is Neuro-Occupational Therapy?

A neuro-occupational therapist is a clinician who has expertise in neurological rehabilitation and in the process of restoring function in individuals with neurological conditions and disorders of the nervous system. Neuro-occupational therapist combines diverse knowledge base, theoretical orientations, and frame of references in conceptualizing and treating individuals with neurological condition to improve their function and quality of life. Neuro-Occupational therapists employ different techniques and treatment modality in their intervention.

 Conditions that I treat include:

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What is Neurological Rehabilitation?​

Neurological rehabilitation is a dynamic process where remediation and compensatory strategies are employed to support the individual to maximize their functional outcome. Barnes (2003) defines neurological rehabilitation as an active process where a disabled individual is assisted to gain knowledge and skills to optimize their physical, psychological, and social functioning.

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Barnes, M. P. (2003). Principles of neurological rehabilitation. Journal of Neurology,

Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 74(suppl 4), iv3-7. 

https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.74.suppl_4.iv3

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Occupational Therapy for Adults with Autism

Occupational therapy (OT) can be highly beneficial for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Incorporating occupational therapy into the life of an adult with autism can significantly enhance their quality of life, promoting independence and overall well-being. Occupational therapy interventions are personalized to address the individual's unique challenges and strengths, ensuring the most effective outcomes. OT focuses on helping individuals develop or regain the skills they need to lead independent, satisfying lives. For adults with autism, OT interventions are tailored to address specific challenges they might face in daily living, social interactions, and employment.

  • Self-Care: Occupational therapists work on activities such as dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene, enhancing an individual's ability to care for themselves independently.

  • Many individuals with autism have sensory processing difficulties. Occupational therapists can create sensory integration activities to help them regulate responses to sensory input, improving their tolerance to various stimuli.

  • Occupational therapists can work on social skills training, teaching individuals with autism how to engage in conversations, interpret social cues, develop friendship, and respond appropriately in different social situations. These skills are crucial for building and maintaining relationships.

  • Individuals with autism may struggle with fine motor skills like writing or using utensils and gross motor skills like coordination and balance. Occupational therapists can design exercises and activities to improve these skills.

  • Teaching coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques can help adults with autism manage anxiety, frustration, and other emotions effectively.

  • Occupational therapists can assist in vocational training, helping individuals with autism acquire job-related skills, adapt to workplace routines, and manage sensory challenges in a work environment. Occupational therapists can collaborate with employers to create a sensory-friendly workplace, making accommodations that facilitate the individual's success on the job.

  • Occupational therapists can suggest modifications in home and work environments to make them more sensory-friendly, reducing potential stressors.

  • Engaging in recreational activities is essential for overall well-being. Occupational therapists can work with clients to identify suitable hobbies and interests, ensuring that individuals with autism have fulfilling leisure activities.

  • Occupational therapists often work closely with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive support network. Collaboration ensures that the individual receives consistent care and assistance.

  • Occupational therapists can help adults with autism develop executive functioning skills, such as time management, planning, organization, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for managing daily routines and responsibilities.

  • Life is filled with transitions. Occupational therapists assist in major life transitions such as moving to a new living situation or starting a new job, providing support and coping strategies.

    • Cooking and Meal Perpetration: Teaching meal planning and preparation, including grocery shopping and following recipes. This is done whilst considering sensory sensitivities and dietary restrictions. These skills help individuals make healthy eating habits.

    • Household Management: OT helps individuals learn how to manage household tasks, from cleaning to organizing, ensuring they can live comfortably in their environment.

    • Managing Finances: This involves tasks such as managing money, paying bills, and budgeting.

    • Transportation: Using public transportation or driving, arranging and organizing travel, and managing appointments.

    • Communication: Using the telephone, email, or other forms of communication to stay in touch with others.

    • Medication Management: Organizing and taking prescribed medications as directed by healthcare providers.

    • Shopping: Purchasing items, both necessities and recreational, and managing a shopping list.

    • Health Management: Scheduling and attending medical appointments, following medical advice, and managing health-related tasks.

Here are several ways in which occupational therapy can help adults with autism:

Certifications

I have advanced training in neurological rehabilitation which includes:

  • Arnadottir OT-ADL Neurobehavioral Evaluation (A-ONE).
    A-ONE rater number: CA14-213. University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Toronto, Ontario
    Canada.

  • Therapeutic Taping, Posture and Positioning Techniques, Bellingham,
    Washington USA.

  • Shoulder Rehabilitation, Bellingham, Washington USA.

  • Resolving Shoulder Impairments and Improving Function.
    Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation and Habilitation Trained (NEURO-IFRAH Trained™)
    Portland, Oregon USA.

  • Introduction to the Neuro-Dynamic Therapy Approach in the Treatment & Management of Adults with

  • Hemiplegia. Neuro-Dynamic Therapy Trained (NDTT™) and Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation and Habilitation Trained (NEURO-IFRAH Trained™), Portland, OR USA.
    Certificate No.: NDTT- 1090
    Neuro-IFRAH Trained- 109

About me as an Occupational Therapist

I have been a practicing occupational therapist for more than 24 years in different clinical, academic, and leadership roles. I have advanced training and expertise in neurological rehabilitation. As an occupational therapist, I worked in diverse clinical settings including acute care, intensive care units, and outpatient care units.  

In addition, I am experienced in working with adults on autism spectrum. 

Furthermore, I was a faculty lecturer at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University, Montreal. At the present time, I am a  clinical instructor at the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy faculty at UBC and Chair of the Neurology Practice Network at The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists-BC.