Creative Practice

Hello! I am an occupational therapist working in a non-OT role with a charity which provides supported living and day opportunities for adults with LD and autism. Our activities are often focused on an end product. For example, our weavery and pottery aim to make products which can either be used by our residents or be displayed or sold in our shop. Whilst I love that aspect of my work and it makes for a meaningful activity for most of our residents, I feel there are some who would benefit from sensory activities, where the focus is more on the actual doing and exploring and less so on a desired end product. I am looking to make a case to my managers for the development of sessions which focus on sensory activities, especially for those residents who can't (any longer) engage in our mainstream day opportunities, either because of their autistic traits (which make it difficult to fit into a group environment) or because of dementia or other age-related deterioration. My problem is that, whilst I have maintained my professional registration, I have not worked as a OT for a few years and I feel a little out of touch. Can anyone share their thoughts and ideas or give me any pointers towards the best organisations, websites, training or reading materials, which would help me make a good case to my managers for this? Thank you so much! 🙂