Occupational Therapy

Neuro-Behavioral Center

The mission of the Neuro-Behavioral Center is to train, study and provide  outcome oriented programming for persons with neurobehavioral problems. Diagnosis such as attention deficit disorder, regulatory disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, and some learning disabilities usually have neurological, behavioral, social, emotional and educational components that frequently are  un-addressed even when a diagnosis is identified.  In some cases no definitive diagnosis are appropriate.  The purpose of the center is to provide research, train specialists and develop an  effective service model to this population.  The service component will provide a comprehensive evaluation, which functionally explains, and addresses the person’s disability as it relates to functional outcomes and in collaboration with the client, will recommend intervention options.

Both traditional and non traditional interventions will be utilized.

Research

The research focus has been two fold:  (1)  Metabolic changes in muscle metabolism ,

(2) Understanding sensory integration- and the psychological, behavioral, neuro –physiological  manifestations, and (3) Developing and testing effective occupational therapy interventions, (4) Physiological differences in Chronic  Fatigue Syndrome, and (5) Attention Deficit Disorder.

Education 

Three graduate courses  are available to teach practicing  occupational therapists evaluation and treatment of sensory integration issues.  Therapist can take this series as a Professional Enhancement  Program and receive  a Certificate of completion from the Department of Occupational Therapy and Certification in SIPT testing from Sensory Integration International.  The student may  matriculate  into the Master of Science program at any point. Interdisciplinary neuro-science courses are available, as well as other pediatric courses  for students who choose to  further their studies in this area. The student completes a supervised Master’s Thesis. Most courses are scheduled for the convenience  of working therapist i.e. evening and weekends.

Intervention

The intervention is based on an interdisciplinary model with the client as an active participant. This is currently being developed and piloted. The goal is to not duplicate available  community services but instead to provide specific guidance  and strategies to the intervention network  servicing the client. Many such networks are available to children through 21 years of age.  A more creative approach is necessary for the adult for which a life style redesign approach is used to impact their quality of life. Traditional and non-traditional approaches  are valued and employed.  The client, with guidance, creates the final service design.