Saturday, September 13, 2008

The Wii and Autism

Occupational therapists provide care in diverse settings for a wide range of ages. One of the most rewarding settings for the occupational therapist involves working with children with developmental issues. OT intervention may be offered as soon as the child arrives in the NICU through a hospital based service, once the child goes home through a birth to 3 program, and once the child enters school within the school based setting.  Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder comprise a growing number of the case-load mix.  The occupational therapists’ contribution to these children’s plan of care or IEP includes activities aimed at improving physical, sensory and social issues.

One mother found an innovative way to help her son improve his ability to filter auditory sensory input as well as a way to increase all types of coordination and encourage appropriate social interactions.  This mother, MaryTara Wurmser purchased an Nintendo Wii for her son to use at home.  She tells about her experience and explains the benefits afforded her son from this activity.  She encourages others to “Consider the Nintendo Wii for Kids with Autism.”

2 comments:

Amy Repsher said...

Hello, my name is Amy Repsher, I am an Occupational Therapy student at Keuka College located in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. I am currently working on my Master's Thesis project and I am conducting research on the use of the Wii in the rehabilitation process. I am looking for any information anyone may be able to provide regarding this ever expanding area of practice. I am also looking for therapists who are using the Wii in their treatment and would be willing to participate in my study (it will be conducted by means of a survey) I would greatly appreciate any information or help anyone would be willing to offer. You can contact me via email at arepsher@mail.keuka.edu. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Amy Repsher,OTS

danachivvis said...

Hello, my name is Dana Chivvis and I am a journalism student at Columbia University in New York. I'm writing a story on the use of Wii in elderly care and am wondering if anyone knows of any hospitals, assisted living homes, or nursing homes in New York that use the therapy. My email address is dkc2108@columbia.edu. Many thanks, Dana Chivvis