Occupational Therapy and Learning Disabilities - Essay Example

"Occupational Therapy and Learning Disabilities" is a good example of a paper on complementary and alternative therapies. 
Learning disability is a common challenge amongst young people and toddlers. This manifests itself in various ways and can be detected early so that treatment can begin at an early stage. Some people do not understand the needs of those with learning disabilities and as such treat such victims unfairly and sometimes calling them names. Therapists at this stage are helpful since they are specialized in understanding the needs of such children or teenagers with learning disabilities (Florence, 1985).  

I present a case of an adolescent boy called Jim. Here is Jim who is never beyond the bottom quarter of his class. Not that he does hate books or anything, but Jim is a classic example of teenagers who suffer from learning disabilities. Furthermore, Jim is not ‘ordinary’ in his interactions with his fellow students in junior high (Florence, 1985). He seems a bit reserved and shy of people. Jim enjoys swimming and would gladly participate in swimming lessons if he was alone in practice or maybe had his own pool. But due to the fear of other people, he prefers spending his leisure time at home playing video games and listening to music in his room.  

Looking at his social life, Jim does have much going on in his life. Most of his friends only relate with him about video games but he has little in common with them. He rarely even speaks to those friends that do play video games. He lives in a wishing world where he wishes other people would like him just the way he is. He does not see himself as normal. Jim is a frequent attendee of Mencap. Mencap is an institution that helps those with learning disabilities by providing them with counseling, organized activities, supported living, and also supported employment (Florence, 1985). 

Jim’s family is very supportive of him and does what they can to cater to his needs. They understand that their child needs special support and cannot blame his below-average academic performance on him. They have provided moral support and encouragement all the way through and even recommended the idea of visiting Mencap (Florence, 1985).  

However, Jim’s main problem is if his therapist is giving him the correct therapy. This is because traditional therapists are used to creating a peaceful environment during therapy sessions such as giving the patient a cup of tea (Florence, 1985). In Jim’s case, the therapist would best try to connect with him by understanding his passion and interests in swimming. Occupational therapy would best be effective for most victims with learning disorders (Florence, 1985).  

As much as Jim is focused on building his swimming passions, he is deeply in need of friends that he could share his life with. This is what commonly happens to those with learning disabilities. It is normal for people to socialize and hence we understand Jim’s desire to become social. An effective therapist would teach him how to initiate communication, how to make, and to keep friends (Florence 1985). 

His interest in learning new things is not something out of the blues. Teenagers are like that and the only way to fulfill this desire is by keeping them engaged in constructive work like community service. Jim’s option to look for local services is praiseworthy since he is proving to be responsible and in good control of his life.