Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation’s founder, Dr. Lucy Jane Miller announced a new evaluation, Goal-Oriented Assessment of LifeSkills (GOAL) at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) national conference.
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller’s new evaluation, Goal-Oriented Assessment of LifeSkills (GOAL) launched recently at theAmerican Occupation Therapy Association’s (AOTA) national conference and expo in San Diego, California according to the Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation, the world leader in research, education and advocacy of SPD.
GOAL is an innovative new evaluation of functional motor abilities needed for daily living. Designed for children 7 to 17, the GOAL consists of seven activities based on real functional abilities needed in a child’s daily life. Since each activity is theoretically linked to intervention targets, the assessment results provide a goal-oriented treatment plan. This standardized instrument offers an accurate measurement of a child’s competencies and opportunities for growth in both fine and gross motor abilities.
The GOAL can help determine eligibility for special services and inform planning of occupational and/or physical therapy and adaptive physical education. It is useful in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice. Although ideally suited for occupational therapists, it can be used by other professionals, including psychologists, physical therapists, and other childhood intervention specialists.
In this individually administered assessment, the child performs seven tasks representing a range of functions from building a paper box to carrying a loaded tray while kicking away obstacles. Dr. A. Jean Ayres‘ sensory integration theory describes many of the key concepts underlying the GOAL activities. This theory proposes that processing of sensory inputs provides a foundation for development of cognitive and motor skills.
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