Occupational Therapy -> Praxis

Praxis

Motor planning or “praxis” is planning and carrying out a motor movement or sequence. Motor planning is required in all skilled, intentional actions. Motor planning is required for most daily activities. Occupational therapists address praxis or motor planning as it impacts the participation and/or independence in an individual’s meaningful occupations.

Minor focus areas

Skilled interventions

  • Motor Planning Activities

    Motor Planning Activities involve a series of tasks that require individuals to think through, organize, and carry out sequences of movements. These activities help to develop praxis, which is the ability to interact successfully with the physical environment through planning and execution of motor actions.

    The therapy typically starts with simple tasks that require basic actions, such as reaching for an object or walking to a designated spot. As skills improve, more complex sequences are introduced, such as setting a table or assembling a toy, which require multiple steps to be performed in the correct order.

    Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques to enhance motor planning skills, including:

    - Task Sequencing: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and practicing them in sequence.
    - Imitation Exercises: Demonstrating actions and having the individual mimic them, which helps to encode motor patterns.
    - Proprioceptive and Tactile Feedback: Using tools like therapy balls, brushes, and textured materials to enhance sensory integration, which supports motor planning.

    Therapists closely monitor progress and adjust the difficulty and complexity of activities to continuously challenge the individual while ensuring they are manageable. This approach not only helps in developing motor skills but also builds confidence and independence in daily activities.

Reference links

  • Planning and Sequencing (Praxis) 0
    childdevelopment.com.au
    Author: Kid Sense Child Development - Planning and sequencing involves planning and ordering new motor actions (praxis). It first involves generating an idea of what you want to do (ideation), figuring out how you are going to do it (motor planning) and then doing what you wanted to do (execution).
  • Scope of Occupational Therapy Services For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Life Course 1
    research.aota.org
    Author: Copyright © 2015 By the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2015, Vol. 69(Supplement_3), 6913410054p1–6913410054p12. - Occupational Therapy practitioners work collaboratively with individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, OTHER PROFESSIONALS, organizations, and community members in multiple contexts to advocate for and provide a range of needed resources and services that support individuals' ability to participate fully in life (Case-Smith & Ambersman, 2008; Kuhaneck, Madonna, Novak, & Pearson, 2015; Tanner Hand, O'Toole, & Lane, 2015; Watling & Hauer, 2015a; Weaver, 2015). According to a study conducted by the Interactive Autism Network (2011), occupational therapy ranks second to speech-language pathology as the most frequently provided service for individuals with autism throughout the United States.

Activity List(s)

Visual Schedule Cards