Alex Hayes Occupational Therapy

07/04/2022

26/11/2021

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you all know that my business name has changed to "Alex Hayes- Occupational Therapy" to better reflect the face behind the service. Please make note of the changes in my contact information. Have a great afternoon!

26/11/2021

25/11/2021

10/11/2020

A little sneak peak for all my clients! Thank you for your patience whilst we had this time off. I will be back next week recharged for the rest of the term!

10/09/2020

Hi all,
Please note that my phone line is down at the moment. I am working to get it fixed. If you need to get in contact please do so via email or messenger.

25/11/2019

Part Two: Task Cessation
*
Simply put, task cessation is knowing when the task is complete.
*
To know how to begin, many autistics need to know how a task ends. Toileting is an incredibly complex task as the requirements can change given contexts and environments.
*
Here are the questions I have when I need to go to the bathroom at home: Is there someone in the bathroom? What do I do if there's somewhere in the bathroom? Is the bathroom cold? Is the bathroom steamy from someone just taking a shower? Are there wipes? Toilet paper? Is the toilet paper ON THE ROLL (ahem to my family) or does it have a wet soggy water spot on the bottom because it was placed on the sink? Soap in the dispenser? What if the seat has sprinkles on it? What if the floor has sprinkles on it? (Ew.) What if the floor is cold and stepping on the cold floor will make me p*e my pants? What if I walk away from this activity and someone takes it over or the person I'm interacting with leaves? What if I stop working and I lose my flow? Do I have clean pants? Underwear? What if I wash my hands and my shirt gets wet? etc., etc., etc.
*
One of the most amazing parts of being autistic our love of exploring all variables. Some people believe we are restricted to routine because we're rigid For me, routine keeps me from going off a million rabbit trails of possibility. However, this beautiful bouncy brain of mine can also have trouble starting if I don't clearly see the end.
*
Tip: to help support task cessation, reinforce sequence (temporal) and have a specific prompt for the end of ALL tasks.

In the beginning, I use words/noises that can be generalized across tasks. For example, taking off a disposable undergarment - "down, 1, 2" means pulling off the disposable undergarment, taking one foot out, taking the other foot out. Putting on a disposable undergarment: "1, 2, up." Wiping (front to back and bum): "swoooop!" At the end: *sign for all done* The end result is something of a beatbox song. I still hear these in my head when I, an adult, am going to the bathroom.

As this progresses, I will make prompts even briefer. Eventually, no sound is needed at all.

Once the sequence is established and if appropriate, use backward chaining to continue their progress.

Note: be careful of your personal reactions and facial expressions at this time. We never want to transfer our discomfort to the individual relying on us. It is an honor to support their needs. As often as possible, allow privacy.

Keep verbal prompts at a minimum as many autistics are often overstimulated in the bathroom because sounds tend to echo.

With my own family, we allow our children to come in with us when we toilet to see the process modeled. (Within reason, lol. Sometimes I need privacy!)

Also, use a consistent signal for the end of every task. This practice often helps generalize the idea of when something is completed across tasks. I prefer to use the sign because people tend to have a very infantilized way of verbalizing "All done!", myself included.

Autistics will develop their own rhythm as they begin to be more confident in the beginning and end of a task.

More to come!

First post on task initiation here: https://www.facebook.com/theautisticOT/photos/a.2254341178026965/2725477307580014/?type=3&theater

25/11/2019

When I was an early intervention occupational therapist, this was one of the primary concerns for parents and caregivers alike.
*
"When will they be potty trained??????"
*
Before I begin, please be aware that I am desperately trying not to insert potty puns throughout this whole post. Let's see how successful I am. 😂
*
tl; dr: support task initiation across all types of tasks
*
FIRST AND FOREMOST, please treat people with dignity and respect their choices no matter what their toileting preferences are. This is not exclusive to the autistic population. There are many people who have bladder and bowel dysfunction and it's difficult to have open conversations/share tips and tricks because of the stigma surrounding toileting. This includes people who use catheters, disposable undergarments, ostomy bags, etc.
*
Also, this means an autistic person may prefer to empty their bowel or bladder in disposable undergarments. In this instance, support awareness and hygiene.
*
No one deserves to be shamed for their toileting needs, period.
*
Tip #1: support task initiation. Autistic people are groomed for compliance and often are passive in the act of toileting. Immediately reverse course.

Because task initiation is an executive function skill, this MUST INCLUDE other areas of their life. Want a snack? Get a snack. Want to line up cars for two hours? Have at it. Wonder what will happen if you cover the table with pudding? Let's see.

You cannot develop this skill in isolation. Autistic people move in their own time and space. If you rush based on neurotypical demands or remove opportunities for voice and choice, the executive function area of the brain (frontal lobe) shuts down.

To support task initiation, offer verbal prompts to go to the bathroom. Learn body cues. Become familiar with typical bathroom schedules. Be explicit as you point these out - "Hey Jill, I notice you're rocking side to side. Do you need to go to the bathroom?" RESPECT THE ANSWER. Get rid of schedules not created collaboratively with and consented by the person using the schedule.

If they soil their undergarments, no big deal. I find a lot of children have trauma surrounding the bathroom (especially if they're on a forced schedule), so we will clean up wherever they are most comfortable.

I verbally process through the steps every time with opportunities for backward chaining which allows the person to complete the last step(s) of the task. This helps reinforce the boundaries of the task, which is critical for autistics.

Once an autistic person learns they are in control of their body and can start tasks when they want/need, toileting seems to follow naturally. I've supported many, many autistics this way with 100% success. Note: success looks different for everyone, but it is a success all the same.

01/09/2019

Great way to build literacy and Fine Motor skills at the same time!

17/07/2019

WHY SHOULD I BEWARE OF THE BUMBO SEAT?

Many parents don't know why bumbo seats should be avoided and how it can affect their baby's motor development. Here's why...

http://mamaot.com/beware-the-baby-bumbo-seat/

11/07/2019

Sensory play for this fine Friday morning! Hot tip- for any kiddos who are sensitive or avoidant of touching certain textures, try some gloves or tongs to help engage them in the activity.

30/05/2019

27/05/2019

A great resource for any parents or professionals out there working with children who are fussy eaters 🙂

Our book helps families make SENSE of fussy/picky eating.
Contact admin@sense-ationalmealtimes.com.a

05/04/2019

AT isn’t just IPADS and complicated computer programs. It’s sometimes the small simple changes that help a student to engage to the best of their ability. Have a read to find out more about AT 🙂

For students with disabilities, assistive technology isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s crucial to their learning and success in school.

22/03/2019

Yes! This is the one of the most common concerns I recieve from both Teachers and Parents.

In this insightful and research-backed talk, Angela Hanscom delivers a profound case for the restoration of more movement and outdoor play experiences for ch...