Developmental Frame of Reference

I selected the Developmental Frame of Reference theory because when shadowing in pediatric clinics I heard a lot about if the child was developmentally delayed and wanted to know more about it.  This frame of reference gives OT's a basic outline of a child's development. This FoR states that a child must complete a stage successfully in order to begin the next one.  Occupational therapists use this when examing these six adaptive skills in children: sensory integration skills, cognitive skills, dyadic interaction skills, group interaction skills, self-identity skill, and sexual identify skill. This allows the therapist to use various types of interventions to help a child develop healthy adaptive behaviors and skills for their age to promote growth and development in order to close the gaps in their developmental delay. The FoR can be used for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with all types of diagnoses or no diagnoses.  According to this FoR it is functional for the client to be at a level that is appropriate for their age in these adaptive skills. The occupational therapist may use interviews or observations to measure the client's ability to interact with various people in a group and get along with others. 

3 Key Terms:

1) Sensory Integration Skill: the ability to receive, select, combine, and coordinate sensory information for use.

2) Self-identify skill: the ability to perceive self as an autonomous, holistic, acceptable person who has permanence and continuity over time. 

3) Dyadic interaction skill: the ability to interact with a variety of primary groups.