Benefits of a collaborative approach in occupational therapy process using Model of Human Occupation, Ayres Sensory Integration approach & service dogs

Use of service dogs in occupational therapy practice is considered as emerging occupational therapy practice. Successful provision of occupational therapy intervention with service dogs as “assistive technology” needs an... [ view full abstract ]

Use of service dogs in occupational therapy practice is considered as emerging occupational therapy practice. Successful provision of occupational therapy intervention with service dogs as “assistive technology” needs an intensive collaboration between child and parent as center of intervention, occupational therapists and a dog handling expert.
This paper will present collaborative approach in occupational therapy intervention guided by Model of Human Occupation, using Ayres sensory integration approach and service dogs. Through single-subject, alternating treatment design an inside look in therapy process is provided. The participant was a child with multiple challenges and goals on the level of performance skills and daily occupations.
The results of 3 alternating treatmants of 6 months occupational therapy process using Ayres sensory integration approach (2 times per week), following Ayres sensory integration approach with service dogs (2 times per week), and sensory integration approach in daily life with assistance dog at home showed decreased spasms and regulation challenges, development of motor for safe ambulation, increased intrinsic motivation and performance in new activities (basic daily life and play activities), and increased social participation with in family and community.
As occupational therapists we have an opportunity and obligation as daily occupation experts to offer foundational competences to an person with occupational challenges. But only collaborative approach can offer multidimensional intervention needed for overcoming daily challenges and enabling maximum functionality.
This paper presents occupational therapy process using Model of Human Occupation, Ayres sensory integration approach and service dogs with recommendation of the collaborative approach, especially in emerging areas.