As my second level 1 Fieldwork, I chose to volunteer for the Raleigh County Special Olympics Cheerleading team. There were four cheerleaders whose deficits ranged from Down syndrome, psychological, speech, low muscle tone, also across the autism spectrum. In which, Cheerleading enhances the following: attention span, comprehension, organization, sequencing, increased endurance, postural control, and increases social skills. Over a course of a month we gathered to participate in the learning of cheers and a competition dance. The support the athlete’s family had showed during practices and competition was influential to not only their child or family member but to me, as a volunteer and as an Occupational Therapy Assistant Student. When I
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The athletes ability to participate among other individuals who experience the same disability or different, to be normalized and given a purpose on a team with an exceptional outcome was phenomenal. There were only a few minor difficulties present during practices which included staying focused, learning ability, and social interactions. Occupational Therapy can be used to address the difficulties above, such as: Making sure each athlete is involved with minimal background distraction and allowing breaks in between cheers to maximize their full potential. The breakdown of each step in a cheer, allowing for accurate sequencing and categorization to fully understand the cheers. Social interaction is important when participating in a team sport. During practice we worked in a group with the individuals and the bond that was developed helped the athletes in opening up and becoming comfortable around the coach, volunteers, and other family members. Each athlete was given a chance to call out the cheer to start and was encouraged to be loud during the duration of the cheer. Positive reinforcement was used with smiles, good vibes, and kind words which was a reflection on how the athletes performed in practice and at …show more content…
The athlete’s psychosocial needs are supported because it decreases the chance of depression, ensures their safety, allows for social support, age appropriateness, and includes a daily routine concerning hygiene and personal care when
The athletes ability to participate among other individuals who experience the same disability or different, to be normalized and given a purpose on a team with an exceptional outcome was phenomenal. There were only a few minor difficulties present during practices which included staying focused, learning ability, and social interactions. Occupational Therapy can be used to address the difficulties above, such as: Making sure each athlete is involved with minimal background distraction and allowing breaks in between cheers to maximize their full potential. The breakdown of each step in a cheer, allowing for accurate sequencing and categorization to fully understand the cheers. Social interaction is important when participating in a team sport. During practice we worked in a group with the individuals and the bond that was developed helped the athletes in opening up and becoming comfortable around the coach, volunteers, and other family members. Each athlete was given a chance to call out the cheer to start and was encouraged to be loud during the duration of the cheer. Positive reinforcement was used with smiles, good vibes, and kind words which was a reflection on how the athletes performed in practice and at …show more content…
The athlete’s psychosocial needs are supported because it decreases the chance of depression, ensures their safety, allows for social support, age appropriateness, and includes a daily routine concerning hygiene and personal care when