Outskirts Press, INC.

A start-to-finish guide for therapeutic fun

Autism, Therapy and Fun; OT to the Rescue is a collection of engaging activities that are versatile enough for use with individuals or groups of mixed ages and abilities. It is intended for children with adaptive functioning levels in the two- to five-year-old range. The activities were developed to enhance skills that often challenge children with autism and other special needs including fine motor, visual processing, body awareness/motor planning, sensory processing, self-help, and cognitive skills. Children aged 2 through 17 years with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, feeding concerns, Down syndrome, and speech-language delay have successfully participated in these activities. Each activity in Autism, Therapy and Fun; OT to the Rescue includes a Leader Guide, a Parent Information Handout, and supplemental materials, when appropriate. The Leader Guide provides a list of materials needed, detailed instructions, and helpful hints. The Parent Information Handout explains the rationale, process, and skills emphasized, helping parents be informed members of the team. Supplemental materials such as templates, diagrams, and pictures are also included. “Play is the work of children. Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them.” —Dr. A. Jean Ayres, sensory integration pioneer researcher

Stay tuned for our next title, due for release in August 2019: Sensory Motor Learning: OT to the Rescue. Sensory Motor Learning: OT to the Rescue consists of 12 play-based, educational activities that can be upgraded or downgraded depending on the level of students. Each activity includes a Treatment Plan, Connections to Evidence-Based Practice, Parent Participation Handout, and visuals of the activity. Each Treatment Plan includes easy-to-follow instructions and a list of readily obtainable materials which can be found in a classroom setting. Current peer-reviewed articles are cited in the Connections to Evidence-Based Practice section after every treatment plan. Parent Participation handouts can be printed and sent home with students to help parents incorporate home programs, track skills related to goals, and provide the explanation and purpose of therapy sessions.