Using Positive Behavioural Support to Supplement Occupational Therapy Intervention

Occupational Therapy has always considered itself a person centred and holistic profession. Many people that occupational therapists support may present with behaviours that challenge. Understanding what these behaviours are and why they may be present will allow the occupational therapist to engage better with the person that they are supporting. This presentation will explore why some of these behaviours occur and what occupational therapists (OT’s) can do to support people in a positive way.

People that OT’s support may have a formal diagnosis of Dementia, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Acquired Brain Injury so the OT may expect the need to adapt their intervention accordingly; however, some people may not have a formal diagnosis and yet the OT may find it challenging to implement their intervention. Mike will explore why this may be (including considering undiagnosed conditions and the impact that previous contact with health, social care and education may have had; the effect of family and the affect of social/cultural norms on the supported person) and will consider strategies to address this in a way that provides positive outcomes for both the therapist and the person being supported.