An Occupational Therapy Pediatric Research Project in Community Integration

This study examines two groups of children diagnosed as having minimal brain dysfunction syndrome; one group was integrated into a YMCA Urban Day Camp, with normal children, while the second group was treated in the same setting but followed a program led by occupational therapists and had no contact with the normal children. The study was based on a pilot project conducted in 1975. Pre- and post-measures of visual-motor skills, of self-concept and of parent reactions are analyzed. Principally, however, observational data of the social interactions engaged in within each group is analyzed, comparing the first and the final weeks of the camp. Methods used and results are described. A discussion of the results is presented as are recommendations for the use of mainstreaming in the practice of occupational therapy.