The Recycling Occupational Therapist

This 154 page spiral bound book is a worthy addition to any therapist’s library. Whether working with pediatrics or adults with developmental conditions, or any other physical or cognitive condition, this book would stimulate your thinking on using recycled materials to address activities to promote strength, coordination and grasp.  I was truly impressed with the content and design of the book and impressed by the simplicity and creativity behind each activity.

The Recycling Occupational Therapist describes how to design and fabricate highly motivational activities for individuals with severe developmental disabilities. "Motivational" is the key word. Bright colors, music, vibration, scents, textures and movement all provide a sensory component which makes activities fun for all of us and especially motivating for  the developmentally disabled population.

Learn how to create and adapt activities for people of all different skill levels out of common household recyclable objects such as laundry bottles, soda bottles and cardboard boxes.  Hence the title of the book- The Recycling Occupational Therapist.

If you work with individuals who are difficult to motivate and engage in activity and you just don't know what to do to increase hand use and attention span this book is for you. If you are sick of peg boards and bead stringing, this book is a must. The hundreds of inexpensive activities described in this book will bring variety and success into the classroom, day program, work programs and community living programs.

The Recycling Occupational Therapist is divided into three sections which focus on fine-motor, gross-motor and sensory based activities. Each activity is presented with a brief description of the material or activity, a list of necessary equipment, construction directions and suggested uses and adaptations. The appendices provide six lists to guide you in selecting activities for clients, based on age-appropriateness, type of activities and skill addressed.