Relationship of Praxis to Avocational Skills in Children with Dyspraxia

Description

Written by: Jane Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Olivia Easterbrooks-Dick, MS, OTR/L

originally published March 20, 2020

Self-Study Articles are scholarly articles on current topics related to sensory integration and sensory processing disorder.

Description: Praxis difficulties impact individuals’ occupations across environments. It is believed that avocational skills, or skills necessary for participation in leisure, are impacted by praxis skills. Praxis skills may be identified in a variety of ways but there is little research about possible relationships between praxis, avocational skills and occupational participation. This study provides evidence that dysfunction in praxis is related to decreased skills and/or participation in avocational activities. In settings where assessment with standardized tools such as the SIPT is not feasible, clinical assessment of praxis using therapist judgment may be useful in identifying children at risk for difficulties in performance areas such as avocational activities. This study also supports the value and unique information that both objective and subjective measures bring to assessing praxis and avocational skills in children.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this article readers will be able to:

1. Define “dyspraxia” and describe how it can impact avocational skills and participation.
2. Define “developmental coordination disorder” and its distinction from and similarities to dyspraxia.
3. Identify and describe multiple assessments of praxis and avocational skills.
4.  Explain how the study’s findings can influence occupational therapy assessment and intervention.

Course Level: Introductory. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Suitable For: Occupational therapists, OT assistants

AOTA
Domain: Areas of Occupation
Process: Assessment

Contact Hours: This course is worth 1.0 contact hours or 0.1 AOTA CEUs.

Completion Requirements: To receive contact hours for this course you must read the article in its entirety, and complete the accompanying assessment.

ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact the Spiral Foundation at admin@thespiralfoundation.org or (617) 969 – 4410 ext. 231.

Continuing Education:

Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: The Spiral Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.