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Occupational therapy in early intervention: a family-centered approach
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Summary
This study introduces a Family-Centered Framework for Early Intervention, integrating occupational therapy with play-based approaches. Pilot data suggests its potential effectiveness in supporting children and families in early intervention settings.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy
- Early Intervention
- Child Development
Background:
- Traditional occupational therapy models may not fully address the holistic needs of children and families in early intervention.
- A need exists for integrated frameworks that incorporate family-centered principles and evidence-based practices.
- Play is a critical component of child development and a valuable tool in therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel Family-Centered Framework for Early Intervention (FCFEI).
- To present pilot data examining the effectiveness of the FCFEI.
- To explore the role of play as an evaluative and intervention modality within the FCFEI.
Main Methods:
- The FCFEI synthesizes the Model of Human Occupation with play-based literature.
- A holistic approach considers the child, family, and environmental contexts.
- Play is utilized for assessment and intervention, targeting volition, habituation, and performance.
Main Results:
- Pilot data indicates the framework's potential utility in early intervention.
- The framework systematically addresses child and family needs within their environments.
- Play demonstrated effectiveness as a measure of competence and change.
Conclusions:
- The Family-Centered Framework for Early Intervention offers a structured approach for occupational therapy.
- Play serves as a dual tool for evaluation and intervention in early intervention.
- This framework may help delineate occupational therapy roles for the early intervention population.