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...

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...

Planning for a New Year Ahead

With the festive season upon us & 2022 drawing to a close, this is often a time when individuals reflect on the year that has been and start planning for the new year ahead, including setting themselves goals of things they would like to achieve or changes they would like to make in their lives. However for many people in our community who live with a chronic health condition, planning ahead and/or setting themselves goals can be challenging due to the hurdles & barriers the symptoms of their conditions create. At Lifeworks OT, our team of occupational therapists are passionate about assisting people living with chronic health conditions such as chronic pain and mental health conditions to be able to do more of what they want to be doing with less impact from the symptoms of their condition. We achieve this through the following process: Assessment : We complete a thorough assessment of a person’s situation, including how the symptoms of their condition impact on their capacit...

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