TheraNews Get Ahead Of The Curve Volume 3 – Spring 2009
TheraChat – Hot Topics from the Therapeeds Message Board :Remember the 3 C’s Throughout the message board there are many questions that have one common denominator - the therapist is trying to treat the symptom rather than the cause. If you consistently treat the symptom, you may make some progress, but most likely you will end up with a condition commonly known as ‘therapist burn-out.’ Here are some techniques you can use to begin looking at the cause and not the symptom:
Component – This involves asking why. As a therapist, you must identify the underlying cause of the problem or the specific component/s deficit that is limiting the acquisition of skill. For instance, why is the child not writing- it is rarely only a handwriting problem. If it was only a handwriting problem, practice would be the solution. We all know that in this situation, there are underlying issues such as in-hand strength and visual-motor skills that are the real reason for the handwriting problems. Other examples of component deficits can be seen in language and gross motor delays.With this in mind, it is important to recognize that treating the component requires a) time and b) is only one part of facilitating function. Ultimately addressing this area is of paramount importance, but it cannot be the only focus of treatment. With the responsibility of being client-centered practitioners by facilitating function and participation in the child’s life, we must address the other 2 C’s.
Consultation – Perhaps you are treating the child only once or twice a week and you’ve noticed that your treatments aren’t making enough of a difference. This begs the question: Who else do I need to involve to help this child? Neuroscience literature states that it takes approx. 60-100 hours of training to create change through the effects of brain plasticity. In this regard, can you increase the intensity of treatments by recruiting the help of parents through home programs, teachers through simple classroom strategies and other therapists? It is also important to recognize that there may be areas where you do not have the training, education or skills necessary to help the child.Identify other specialists that you can leverage to help address the component such asa psychologist, audiologist or other professional.
Compensation - Identifying an immediate solution that you can offer the child so that they can function and participate in their environment is extremely important! Ask yourself- while I am working on addressing the cause at the component level, what can I adjust or adapt NOW? Is it a pencil grip? Adjusting the homework load? Adapting a bicycle? Introducing PECS?Success in this area can be reached when you focus in on social participation, which allows the child to feel like a part of the group.