Shelley Mulligan

Classroom Strategies Used by Teachers of Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Pediatric therapists working in schools commonly function as consultants toassist teachers to develop strategies to help promote the classroom performance of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). This study surveyed general education teachers in northern New England to determine the classroom strategies teachers commonly use and perceive as being effective for improving the performance of children with ADHD. The strategies receiving the highest frequency and effectiveness ratings were enforcing routine and structure, frequent contact, preferential seating, use of motor breaks, and teaching self-monitoring of behaviors. The strategies receiving the lowest effectiveness ratings were peer tutoring, timeout, and giving assistance during transitions. Cross tabulations with chi-square analysis of the effectiveness ratings by grade level indicated the ratings for 3 of the 15 strategies, use of a designated quiet space, use of motor breaks, and sensory modulation techniques, were dependent on grade level. Qualitative analysis of teacher responses to open-ended questions provided recommendations for improving the education of children with ADHD, including: increasing special education support in the classroom, smaller class sizes, frequent parent-teacher collaboration, and more hands-on learning experiences. Implications of the results of the study for therapists working with students with ADHD and their teachers are discussed.

Sensory and motor behaviors of infant siblings of children with and without autism.

We compared the sensory and motor behaviors of typically developing infants with those of infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who are considered high risk for the disorder, to explore potential sensory and motor markers for use in early diagnosis of ASD. We compared frequencies of sensory and motor behaviors during 10-min, videotaped, infant-mother play sessions and during 5 min of spoon-feeding between groups of 12-mo-old infants. Data from standardized measures of development, sensory processing, and behaviors commonly associated with ASD were also analyzed descriptively for the high-risk group. The results indicated that high-risk infants demonstrated fewer movement transitions (t [23] = -2.4, p = .03) and less object manipulation (t [23] = -2.4, p = .03) than low-risk infants. The sensory and motor differences found between typical and high-risk infants suggest that early screenings for ASD should include the examination of sensory and motor behaviors.

Cluster Analysis of Scores of Children on the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests

A cluster analysis of scores of 1961 children on the Sensory Integration and Praxis (SIPT) tests was performed to explore subgroupings of children referred for SIPT testing, and to provide information concerning the validity of the six profiles currently used in the SIPT interpretation process. The results yielded a five rather than a six cluster solution, including the following profiles: Low-average Bilateral Integration and Sequencing; Dyspraxia; Generalized Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Dyspraxia-Severe; Generalized Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Dyspraxia-Moderate, and Average Sensory Integration and Praxis. Clinical implications of the results of this study related to SIPT interpretation are discussed.

The Therapeutic Value of the Human-Animal Connection

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of pet therapy which promote positive experiences and health in the elderly. Data were obtained through observations of pet therapy sessions, through interviews with a pet therapy provider, and residents of a long-term care facility who participated in pet therapy, and from the reflections of my (first author) own experiences as a pet therapy volunteer. The results revealed four characteristics which contributed to the benefits received by participants: (a) humanness; (b) anticipation and continuity; (c) ability to facilitate reminiscence; and (d) social aspects. The findings supported previous research by providing evidence of the value of pet visitation. In addition, ways in which these four qualities may enhance the physical, cognitive and social-emotional benefits received by nursing home residents participating in pet therapy and other activities is discussed.

An examination of occupation-based, client-centered, evidence-based occupational therapy practices in New Hampshire.

This study surveyed occupational therapy practitioners to gain a better understanding of the nature of occupational therapy practices in the State of New Hampshire. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of practitioners working in New Hampshire to gather information regarding the extent to which occupation-based, client-centered, evidence-based services were being provided. Results suggested that practitioners highly value these service delivery attributes. However, day-to-day practice decisions regarding evaluation methods, where to conduct intervention sessions, goal writing, and choices of intervention activities suggest a stronger emphasis on the evaluation and remediation of specific performance skill and body function deficits, rather than on client performance of desired occupations. In light of the findings, the discrepancy between practitioner values and daily clinical practices is discussed, along with the challenges inherent in providing authentic, evidence-based occupational therapy.

Validity of the Postrotary Nystagmus Test for Measuring Vestibular Function

This study examined the validity of the Postrotary Nystagmus (PRN) test as a measure of vestibular functioning by examining the relations of scores from the PRN test with those from other variables measuring similar functions and through conducting a group comparison study. The PRN test is one of 17 tests included in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). Using SIPT scores from 575 children, sensory motor performance among children with depressed, average duration, and prolonged nystagmus was compared. The results indicated that children with low-duration postrotary nystagmus scored more poorly than children with average or prolonged postrotary nystagmus on other SIPT tests measuring aspects of vestibular function. Statistically significant, although weak correlation, coefficients were also obtained, demonstrating low-duration postrotary nystagmus may be associated with sensory motor deficits. The results of this study contribute to evidence supporting the PRN tests validity as a measure of some aspects of vestibular functioning.

Application of Psychobiological Measures in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Research

The authors discuss the use of psychobiological measures (i.e., biomarkers) for furthering understanding of the biological foundations supporting human occupational behavior. They explore the possible applications of psychobiological measures in research relevant to occupational therapy practice and occupational science, including the documentation of outcomes following occupational therapy intervention. Common psychobiological measures that are available and of particular interest to occupational scientists and therapists are described based on a review of research that has applied psychobiological measures. Psychobiological measures have rarely been reported in the occupational science and occupational therapy literature to date, although such measures are beginning to emerge as researchers expand their questions and methods related to occupational engagement. Psychobiological measures may provide promising insights into the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve self-regulation and more effectively manage stressors for enhancing occupational performance. These measures also may be used to increase understanding of how participation in desired occupations influences arousal levels, stress response, and overall states of well-being and productivity.

Case Study Analyses of Play Behaviors of 12-Month-Old Infants Later Diagnosed with Autism.

Case study research methodology was used to describe the play behaviors of three infants at 12 months of age, who were later diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Data included standardized test scores, and analyses of video footage of semi-structured play sessions from infants identified as high risk for autism, because of having a sibling with the disorder. Literature describing the attributes of object and social play of young children with and without autism was also reviewed, and considered in the interpretation of results. The object and social play behaviors of the three infants with autism were found to be variable among each other, and different in some ways from the play of typically developing children. Most striking was a lack of creativity, or limitation in functional play with toys, with an apparent desire for sameness or repetition in the way play objects were used. In addition, object play was preferred over social forms of play. An increased understanding of the play behaviors of infants with autism has clinical implications for early identification of the disorder, and offers guidance for the development of effective play-based interventions.

Examination of a Museum Program for Children with Autism

This study examined the effectiveness of a childrens museum program designed to support young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. The program offers specialized materials, financial incentives, an exclusive time, and trained volunteers to increase the comfort level, enjoyment, and learning opportunities of attendees. This research case study presents results gained through naturalistic observations, interviews and surveys. The findings provide an argument for the implementation of such strategies for enhancing visitor satisfaction, providing a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing child learning opportunities, and ultimately, for promoting community integration of families with children with ASD.

Initial Studies of Validity of the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale

ABSTRACT Aims: This study examined the validity of a new measure of sensory processing for children, the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP-3D). The SP-3D is a performance-based measure for children ages three to thirteen years, designed to assess sensory processing abilities, and identify the three patterns of sensory processing disorder (SPD) and related subtypes, including sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, and sensory-based motor disorders. Methods: Age trends were explored using descriptive statistics and graphing techniques with a sample of children with and without SPD. SP-3D scores were correlated with scores from the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) to examine criterion-related validity. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing SP-3D scores from children with and without SPD. Results: Age trends of SP-3D scores supported sensory discrimination, praxis and postural functions as developmental constructs. Several mild to moderate correlations were found between the scores of the SP-3D and the SPM, indicating that the tools are measuring similar constructs, and supporting the SP-3D as a measure of sensory processing. Modulation and Motor Behavior Scores from the SP-3D discriminated typically developing children from those with SPD, while results from subtests measuring sensory discrimination, postural and praxis were mixed regarding capacity for discrimination suggesting revision to several items. Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence of the SP-3D as a valid measure of sensory processing abilities and dysfunction. Further research regarding the reliability and validity of the SP-3D are needed.