Pain Care Occupational Therapy Referral Guide

Why Sensory Assessment Matters for Neurodivergence

People with Autism, ADHD, or a sensory processing disorder experience the world differently. Many have unique sensory needs, such as sensitivity to noise or touch, while others may seek intense stimulation to regulate their emotions. Understanding these differences is key to creating strategies that support comfort and participation in everyday life. Understanding Sensory Profiles Lifeworks Occupational Therapy provides sensory assessments, helping people understand how they experience the world and how best to meet their needs. Sensory differences may involve hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to stimuli like light, sound, smell, taste, touch, movement, and body awareness. For example, someone may find bright lights overwhelming or seek spinning to feel balanced, while others may not register pain or crave deep pressure. Sensory processing differences impact daily activities, including sleep, eating, personal space, and social interactions...

Understanding Relationship Boundaries: How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Humans are inherently social individuals, and healthy relationships are an important part of our wellbeing. They form how we spend our time, what we do in our day, and internally, how we feel about ourselves. In occupational therapy, we talk about how our roles, routines, and relationships influence our ability to meaningful and balanced lives. To have healthy relationships we need to understand our wants, needs, and values, and this forms the basis of boundaries. Many people find boundaries difficult to understand, and even harder to implement. However, learning how to develop and maintain a healthy boundary, and understand what that boundary means to you, can have a significant impact on your mental health, relationships, and your overall quality of life. What is a boundary? A boundary is a personal limit that defines what you are comfortable with, and how you would like to be treated by others. It often reflects your values, and takes i...

Unraveling the Complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder: Insights from a Masterclass

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenging condition that has gained increased attention in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, 2024, I had the privilege of attending a masterclass titled “Working with Functional Neurological Disorder: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches,” presented by Dr. Vance Locke, a clinical psychologist from the University of Western Australia, and Mr. Rowan Pearce, a senior physiotherapist and head of the Complex Care Clinic at Western Kids Health. The seminar, organized by the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, shed light on the latest developments in diagnosing and treating FND, providing valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals affected by this condition. The Growing Importance of FND: Dr. Locke and Mr. Pearce began by discussing the increasing prevalence of FND, which has become more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted potential links betwe...

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