QOL of Patients with Parkinson's Disease Depends on the Ability to Perform ADL

A study conducted in Kerala states that Quality of Life of patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) depends on their ability to perform ADL. 

"...difficulty to do leisure time activities, performing household activities, difficulty to carry bags, problems with walking, difficulty to get around in public places, need for assistance to go out of house, fear of fall, etc. can be considered as the main factors that influence the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease. Regarding the activities of daily living...difficulty to take bath without assistance, difficulty if [sic] dressing and grooming, difficulty to write clearly, cutting up of food and disability [sic] in drinking water from glass without spilling also can be considered as a factor [sic] which affect the qualify of life of patients with Parkinson's disease" (p.15)

Occupational therapists have a huge role to play in rehabilitating patients with PD. 

Parents of Children with ASD find OT and SI efficacious

Seventy two percent of parents believe that their child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) improved with occupational therapy and 73% believed their child with ASD improved with sensory integration.

Parental Ratings of Efficacy: Occupational Therapy

Child improved dramatically - 23.5%
Child improved somewhat - 48.5%
No noticeable effect - 22.2%
Child became worse - 3.9%

Parental Ratings of Efficacy: Sensory Integration

Child improved dramatically - 29.4%
Child improved somewhat - 43.9%
No noticeable effect - 22.0%
Child became worse - 4.3%

Source: Goin-Kochel, R. P., Mackintosh, V. H., & Myers, B. J. (2009). Parental reports on the efficacy of treatments and therapies for their children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3(2), 528-537.

Occupational Therapists Diagnose ASD in India

Occupational therapists are involved in the final diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in India.

In a recent study, Mahapatra et al. (2019) identified that OTs were the second largest group of professionals who made the diagnosis of ASD, next to Psychiatrists. Of 76 parents interviewed for the study conducted in Odisha, 16 parents (21.2%) reported that OTs made the diagnosis of ASD.

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Issue 114

This issue of our newsletter explores the essential skills an occupational therapy practitioner should possess to be successful in practice.  The Autism Corner section identifies the recommended criteria for selecting 'screenting tools' to identify children with developmental disorders.

Consult Dr. Karthik Mani in Chennai in Feb 2019

Dr. Karthik Mani will be available for consultation in Chennai on the following dates:

February 3-7, 2019.

Dr. Karthik Mani, OTD, OTR/L, is a NBCOT-certified occupational therapist who has expertise and experience in treating developmental disabilities (Autism, ADHD, Learning Disability, & Developmental Delay), ergonomic health issues (Back Pain/Neck Pain/Arm Discomfort), neurological dysfunctions (Stroke, TBI), and geriatric dysfunctions (Dementia). He has more than 13 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy (OT).

Dr. Mani obtained his entry-level OT degree from The TN Dr. MGR Medical University in Chennai, India and earned his doctoral degree at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, US. He is fluent in Tamil and English. He has numerous publications to his credit.

To schedule an appointment, email kmani@votc.co.in.