Hello, I work in adult community mental health in Wales (UK). I have been fortunate in working alongside a consultant psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD, and I've also worked closely with specialist (adult) ASD nurses and OTs.
I'm struck by the functional similarities in many of the adults using mental health services, particularly people who may have a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder, or schizoaffective disorder.
As an OT, I'm interested in supporting clients to improve their occupational performance - whatever their diagnosis - and I suspect some of the assessments and interventions used in ASD and learning disability services could be used successfully in adult mental health - and vice versa! Particularly around sensory processing.
Does anyone share this interest?
Or have any ideas of where I could look for further information?
That sounds really interesting, thanks Tanya! I will have a look!
Hi Emma,
Although not developed for mental health users, the Sensory Intelligence questionnaire is really useful and very, very pertinent in adult populations. Have a look at their website. It was developed by a South African OT who is using this tool far and wide and she also provides training to practitioners. It's also an online tool that produces a report for practitioners to go through with their clients.
If you would like to get hold of her, I do have her contact details and would be happy to introduce you.
Hi Emma it's great to hear from others who are interested in this area. I would recommend training from the sensory integration network (workshops or accredited sensory integration training, ASI WISE and KUFF training (trauma and personality disorder). Developing an understanding of neuroscience and how poor sensory integration impacts everyday life can be helpful. I find sensory profiles, diets and mindfulness particularly helpful in my practice in mental health. When working in learning disabilities we used an interest checklist to explore sensory activities, easily applicable to my current practice.