FRAMES OF REFERENCE!
A frame of reference in occupational therapy is a theoretical basis for a treatment approach. It guides the therapist in their treatment.
Commonly used frames of reference in pediatric occupational therapy:
BIOMECHANICAL FRAME OF REFERENCE:
Description: Therapeutic exercise is used to improve range of motion, strength, and endurance which is then thought to lead to improvements in functional abilities.
Conditions: burns, cereal palsy, joint immobility, and physical delays.
Interventions include:
- Splinting
- Peanut ball/bosu ball
- Using an armrest when writing for stability
SENSORY INTEGRATION FRAME OF REFERENCE:
Description: This frame is based on the way the brain receives sensory input from the environment and organizes it so that the body can respond with action. As normal development occurs, the brain’s ability to integrate sensory input matures.
Conditions: Autism spectrum disorder, motor planning difficulties, ADHD, ADD.
Interventions:
- Sensory defensiveness (lotion massage, Wilbarger Brushing Program)
- Using swings for linear, angular, and rotary movements
- Mushroom swing for linear movements
- Platform swing for rotatory movements
- Bolster for linear movements
- Improving tactile responses
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- Crawling through tunnels in obstacle courses
- Squeeze machines
MOTOR LEARNING FRAME OF REFERENCE
Description: This frame focuses on what the child has the ability to do and the skills that are required for that task. It focuses on repetition and doing activities that repeat the same motion.
Conditions: Developmental disabilities and gross motor delays.
Interventions:
- Obstacle course with 7 steps and having the child repeat it 3 times.
- Sequencing of steps
NEURODEVELOPMENT FRAME OF REFERENCE:
Description: This frame of reference is used for rehabilitation for neurological conditions which focuses on specific handling techniques to facilitate normal posture and movement patterns.
Conditions: cerebral palsy, low tone, down syndrome, and motor difficulties including, posture, alignment, and balance.
Interventions:
- Sitting on a bolster (straddled) and completing an arts and crafts activity
- Sitting like a chair for pelvic tilting
- Laying on stomach over a peanut ball and utilizing a game for core-strengthening
- Positioning a child on hands and knees while the child reaches to play with blocks
DEVELOPMENTAL FRAME OF REFERENCE:
Description: This frame is based on that each stage of development can only proceed normally if the preceding stages have been completed successfully. Incomplete development in areas of skill will influence development.
Conditions: Gross motor delays, fine motor delays, decreased postural and balance skills, decreased motor planning/praxis skills, difficulties with social participation, oral motor delays, feeding delays, and sensory processing abilities.
Interventions:
- Core strengthening activities (using a peanut ball, platform swing, prone on a scooter)
- Obstacle course, yogarilla, twister, Simon says for motor planning and balance
- Social Stories for social skills
- Fine motor strengthening activities include theraputty and weight-bearing activities.
BEHAVIORAL FRAME OF REFERENCE:
Description: This frame focuses on the behavior of the child in the environment as well as positive or negative reinforcement to elicit a desired response.
Conditions: ADHD, developmental disabilities, OCD, self-regulation
Interventions:
- Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, yoga poses, sensory kits)
- Using rewards for positive reinforcement (stickers, toys, something the child is interested in)
