I am a new grad OT- have been working in inpatient rehab and acute care for about 1 year. I just moved into out patient, and am working with TBI patients that are much higher level that I have worked with in the past. The patient I am seeing now is a male in late teens. he is able to do ADLs and walk with no problem.  He is able to attend to cog tasks for at least 30 minutes, able to read a complicated map (with extra time and a few cues), able to solve math problems with a calculator (including word problems).

I've practiced some things with him, he doesn't plan on going to college.    Anyone have any suggestions about what to do with him, activities? I don't have any formal evaluation tools at my disposal , can you recommend something? I appreciate any help.

Nadia

 With 16 years in home care I am thinking about IADLS; Planning,Safty :meals,Jobs etc

 Can he plan a meal and safely  implement all the steps ?  (start with a simple cake mix and grade up to a full meal. Will he remember to check and pull it out of the oven) Can he do it with the TV on?.Is he able to follow the map within the context of distractions( in a car moving). How about balancing a check book.. Even though he is not planning to go to college he will proably need to be computer friendly  for what ever he does.

Intrest check list would be important to explore vocational and avocational areas to explore. Have you asked his friends/Family how his present status is diffrent from his premorbid?

 Does he have balance problems on quads IE can he raise one leg and the opposite arm. If so Trampoline work has been shown to help...Just some thoughts.

Neal

I am thinking along the same lines as the previous OT who posted.  Balancing checkbook and managing bills are going to be something this individual has to do whether or not he goes to college.  An interest checklist would also be a good idea.  What type of work did he do before or would like to do---try to work on the components of his job.  Cooking and home safety is important---so I would hit on these type of things.