Modifying Daily Activities of a Child With Mental Retardation : Longitudinal Observations of Putting on Socks

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between self-control of body movements and daily activities in a boy with mental retardation. The participant in the study was 5 years old at the start of the study. The study continued for 2 years of therapy. The Dohsa method was used to analyze changes in his daily activities, especially his putting on his socks, using observations in his mother's journal, her reports, interviews with her, and therapeutic processes. Dohsa therapy was developed as a way to facilitate the development of children with physical and intellectual disabilities. The results were as follows: (a) The boy could control his breathing through relaxing various parts of his body, and co-regulation with the therapist improved, (b) The boy could put on his socks smoothly when his sitting posture became increasingly steady and he became able to move his arms and legs simultaneously, (c) His mother noticed slight changes in his daily life, and their relationship changed. The results were discussed in terms of body awareness in the therapy, daily activities, and mother-child interaction patterns in daily life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)