Measurement issues: measures of infant mental health

Background: Emotional and behavioural problems emerging in very young children can represent a challenge to the child and family and warrant early identification and appropriate support or intervention. Diagnostic systems are being developed that allow for specific difficulties to be identified and this review summarises them. The review describes the psychometric properties and potential for use in clinical practice of a range of instruments and methods that are available to identify infant mental health difficulties, and which may be suitable for use in primary care settings, including observations, questionnaires and checklists. Conclusions: While debate continues about whether infant mental health problems can or should be identified, the use of standardised tools may help clinicians to compare observations of infants so that those emerging as atypical can receive additional attention, reflecting a more targeted approach to primary care services (DH 2009; DH 2010)

Thinking disability orientation : practicing affirmation

Introduction: Occupational therapy’s theoretical base is informed by beliefs in empowerment, partnership, choice and hope — all key components in client-centred practice (Sumsion and Law 2006). In order to be client-centred, it is important to appreciate an individual’s perception of their own disability, known as their disability orientation. Disability orientation, as described by Darling and Heckert (2010), includes three aspects: disability identity; adherence to a particular model of disability, and involvement in disability rights activism. Each type of disability orientation will affect the disabled person’s beliefs and feelings about themselves, their impaired bodies and their disabled lives. This, in turn, is likely to influence their expectations of and satisfaction with occupational therapy services. Therefore, occupational therapists aiming to work within a client-centred approach should be cognisant of this concept and consider its possible impact on their therapeutic approach. This seminar will: – Explore the concept of disability orientation and discuss examples of different orientations; – Examine the affirmative disability orientation as it relates to occupational therapy; – Enable participants to analyse and understand their clients’ disability orientation; – Discuss strategies to provide intervention informed by a client’s disability orientation. Case studies will be used to promote discussion and explore practical ways to ascertain an individual’s disability orientation. The affirmative disability orientation will be discussed in particular. Impact on service users: Understanding disability orientation could lead to enhanced client-centred and culturally sensitive practice. Implications for occupational therapy: Contribution to the improvement of practice through the development of culturally sensitive therapeutic strategies