Occupational Therapy Models for Intervention with Children and Families

Book excerpt: This textbook explores recent theoretical models that enable occupational therapists to practice and interact with families in a more holistic and occupation-centered manner. It offers the latest information on viewing the broader contexts of environment and family in order to meet diverse occupational needs in a range of settings. The editor presents a variety of case scenarios that feature culturally diverse populations and varying diagnoses of children with occupational needs. With contributions from 11 leaders in occupational therapy, this comprehensive text is designed to increase awareness and understanding of theoretical models and their relationship to current occupational therapy practice with today's children and families. Traditional frames of reference in pediatric practice are explored, including sensory integration and neurodevelopmental treatment. Some current theoretical models discussed include the Model of Human Occupation, the Person-Environment-Occupation model, the Ecology of Human Performance model, and the Occupational Adaptation model. The new Occupational Therapy Practice Framework is incorporated throughout the text. Overall the textbook employs a practical approach to this significant aspect of pediatric practice in occupational therapy.