Social Participation, Executive Functioning, & SEL

poor theory of mind
- Theory of Mind: ability to conceive other people's perspective
weak central coherence - processes info in fragments, not seen as a whole
- Central Coherence: ability to process info in fragments and as a whole picture
limited joint attention
- Joint Attention: ability to follow gaze or pointing or gestures to share in an experience

OTs can help teams with understanding social skills & social participation by engaging in multi-disciplinary evaluation of students' skills
numerous skill assessments & questionnaires
includes SLPs, OT, parents/caregivers, teachers, psych

peer mediated
- kids with and without disabilities learning from each other to provide role-modeling
sensory integration
- learning tools for sensory modulation
self-determination
- autonomy, competence, well-being
- makes choices, indicate preferences, problem solve, plan, & initiate plan
social-cognitive
- didactic social skills development
- learn by watching others
behavioral
- rewards for appropriate behavior - data collection

video modeling
- observational learning
- watch an adult or child, then imitate
- watch a video of self, then improve or imitate
social scripts
- practicing of scripted, socially appropriate language
- paired with other children to practice
power cards
- superhero tells you how to run through a difficult social situation
- OT breaks it down & runs through it with child
social stories
privacy circles
- identifies the level of intimacy of different people you'd interact with, then discusses what you would say to each level
social autopsies
- after a situation occurs, help the child break it down and describe the motivations of others involved and what some alternative responses will be
emotions charades
thermometers/incredible 5-point scale

Ex of social stories

Ex of social script

Ex of Privacy circles

Executive Functioning

SEL focuses on:
- building skills for positive relationships
- behaving ethically
- managing emotions
- thinking about feelings & actions
- regulating behavior
- thoughtful decision-making
- handling challenging situations
OT can help all children develop & maintain positive psychological & social functioning, productive activities, & resilience in the face of adversity
specific MG promotion, prevention, & intervention topics addressed include:
- mental health literacy
- social & emotional learning
- positive behavioral supports (PBS)
- obesity
- bullying
- grieving loss
- strength-based approaches
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- thought disorders/schizophrenia
- bipolar
- ASD
- recess promotion

self-awareness: Know your strengths and limitations, know how you fit within a community; with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.
self-management: Effectively manage stress, control impulses, and motivate yourself to set and achieve goals
social awareness: Understand the perspectives of others and empathize with them, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
relationship skills: Communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.
responsible decision-making: Make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety, and social norms.

Tier I - all students & all settings
- universal mental health promotion
- strategies for optimizing mental health
Tier II - targeted groups - some students
- targeted mental health prevention
- strategies to reduce mental health problems before identification of a specific mental health problem
Tier III - individual students
- intensive mental health intervention
- strategies to diminish or end the effects of an identified mental health problem after the problem has been identified

OTPs work district-wide or school-wide level providing education, training, direct instruction, and/or consultation to help support initiatives
SEL curriculum
mindfulness, yoga, & relaxation
- Go Noodle
- Drive-thru Menus: Relaxation Menu (visualization and meditation) and Attention Menu (attention, waiting in line, settling down)
- Second Step; Mind Yeti – Brain Breaks, Ease Transitions, Family Engagement -- 3-5 minute audio sessions throughout the day
school-wide sensory supports
- sensory-safe spaces
  - Water fountain breaks, sensory walkways, private cool down areas with sensory materials and structured plan
  - Roll Some Brain Breaks (Every Moment Counts)
  - Drive Thru Menus
- zones of regulation
- every moment counts
mental health literacy