Synopses & Reviews
Written by three experienced occupational therapists, this book offers a combination of theory and strategies. It is a perfect tool for those working with young children, but also broad enough to be adapted for older children and adults. Building Bridges provides creative techniques and useful tips while offering innovative strategies and practical advice for dealing with everyday challenges, including managing behaviors, improving muscle tone, developing social skills, selecting diets, and more. Part one explains the role of the occupational therapists in treatment and examines sensory integration theories. Part two offers methods of identifying sensory problems in children along with numerous strategies and activities.
Helpful topics include:
- What is Occupational Therapy?
- What is Sensory Integration?
- What are the Sensory Systems?
- Identifying Problems with Sensory Integration Strategies for Challenging Behaviors
- Ideas for Self Care Skills
- Adapting Home, School, and Child Care Settings
Review
"This is an excellent resource book that clearly explains sensory systems and sensory integration and how to identify problems in this area for individuals with autism. There are checklists to help identify concerns, and it is full of practical suggestions for activities for specific difficulties, strategies for challenging behaviors, and adaptations in a variety of settings.”
Geneva Centre for Autism
Review
"The how-to book on sensory integration that we have been wishing and waiting for.”
Autism National Committee
Review
""This is an excellent resource book that clearly explains sensory systems and sensory integration and how to identify problems in this area for individuals with autism. There are checklists to help identify concerns, and it is full of practical suggestions for activities for specific difficulties, strategies for challenging behaviors, and adaptations in a variety of settings.” --Geneva Centre for Autism
""The how-to book on sensory integration that we have been wishing and waiting for.” --Autism National Committee
“Focusing on children diagnosed with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, and who experience abnormal sensory processing and impaired motor planning, Building Bridges provides a practical resource for parents, educators, occupational therapists and other professionals. Hundreds of strategies and ready-to-use activities for sensory learning.” --Parentbooks
About the Author
Ellen Yack, B.Sc., M.Ed., O.T., has practiced as an occupational therapist since 1979 and has a Masters Degree in Education. She currently is the Director of Ellen Yack and Associates Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services, a private agency providing occupational therapy services to children, adolescents and their families in Toronto and surrounding areas. Ellen is also the occupational therapy consultant at the Geneva Centre for Autism. Her areas of expertise include sensory integration, autism spectrum disorders, developmental coordination disorder and learning disabilities. Paula Aquilla, B.Sc., O.T., is an occupational therapist. She has worked with adults and children in clinical, educational, home, and community-based settings. She founded the Yes I Can! Integrated Nursery School, Yes I Can! Summer Camp, and the I Love My Baby Program in Toronto and was the director for six years. Paula was also the founding executive director of Giant Steps in Toronto, an innovative program of intensive therapies, academics, and support services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Shirley Sutton B.Sc., O.T., has worked with children and teens with special needs for over 25 years. She currently has a private practice in Collingwood and also works for Children's Therapy Services of Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Early Intervention. In addition to being a well known presenter across Canada, Shirley is primarily a clinician, and currently consults for several Community Living Associations and the Achimota Centre for Children with Autism. Her special interests and training include developmental disorders (including autism), sensory integration, and early intervention.
Table of Contents
What is Occupational Therapy?
What is Sensory Integration?
What are the Sensory Systems?
Identifying Problems with Sensory Integration Strategies for Challenging Behaviors
Ideas for Self Care Skills
Adapting Home, School, and Child Care Settings
Activity Suggestions
Equipment and Resources
References
Index