Applying CO-OP Approach in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: Single-Subject Outcome Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Learning Disabilities Research

Background:

• Specific learning disorders (SLDs) often present with motor-based occupational performance challenges.
• Effective interventions are needed to address these motor difficulties and improve daily functioning in children with SLDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) Approach.
• To enhance motor-based occupational performance in children diagnosed with specific learning disorders (SLDs).

Main Methods:

• A multiple-baseline single-subject experimental design was employed.
• Five children with SLD (aged 9-12 years) participated in the study.
• Intervention involved 12 CO-OP sessions over 6 weeks, with outcome measures including the COPM and BOT-2.

Main Results:

• All participants demonstrated improved motor performance scores on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Edition 2 (BOT-2).
• Clinically significant improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction were observed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).
• Both children and parents reported positive outcomes post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The CO-OP Approach shows potential for enhancing motor skills in children with SLDs.
• This intervention facilitates goal achievement and improves overall occupational performance for this population.
• The findings support the use of the CO-OP Approach as a viable therapeutic strategy for children with SLD-related motor challenges.