Effects of Integrated Therapy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of direct/isolated versus indirect/integrated approaches to the provision of occupational and physical therapy services in a school-based program for a learner with profound and multiple handicapping conditions. Within the context of a return-to-baseline design, the learner displayed significantly improved performance on the functional activity of activating an adapted microswitch when therapeutic techniques were specifically referenced to and incorporated in the teaching plan and implementation. Implications for delivering team-oriented services are discussed as well as considerations related to programming for persons with profound handicaps.