Applying CO-OP Approach in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: Single-Subject Outcome Study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) in enhancing motor-based occupational performance challenges in five children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). Five children with SLD aged 9 to 12 years, participated in a multiple-baseline single-subject experimental design. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–Edition 2 (BOT-2). The CO-OP Approach comprised 12 sessions, conducted twice weekly. Based on the BOT-2 results, the intervention resulted in better motor performance scores in all five participants. Clinically significant improvement was found in both performance and satisfaction rating using the COPM after intervention as assessed by both parents and children. This study demonstrates the potential of the CO-OP Approach to enhance motor skills and achieve selected goals in five children with SLD.

Plain Language Summary

Applying CO-OP Approach on Children With SLD

Children with SLDs often struggle with motor-based occupational performance such as biking, playing jump rope, tying shoe laces, and handwriting. These skills are important for their self-esteem and for being able to participate in social activities. It is crucial to assess and address these challenges. The CO-OP Approach helps children learn a general problem-solving strategy, which can be used to overcome obstacles in their daily lives. Results of the single-subject design showed that children were able to learn problem-solving strategies and achieved their chosen goals. However, it is important to note that because the study had a small number of participants, it is difficult to say for sure how well the CO-OP Approach works for all children with SLD. Therefore, this study serves as a preliminary investigation, highlighting the need for future studies with larger sample sizes and randomized clinical trials to establish the effectiveness of the CO-OP Approach in a larger group of children with SLD.

Keywords

Specific Learning Disorders CO-OP Approach multiple-baseline single-subject experimental design motor-based occupational performance problem solving

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