Alexandra Brand

Professor Kaninjing

KINS 4306

15 May 2022

Journal Week #1

High Hopes Children’s Therapy has provided me with a variety of experiences and

education this week. Going in on the first day, I did not know what to expect. On Monday, I had

orientation where they showed me around the building and explained what I would be doing.

Due to them moving locations recently, they needed assistance in cleaning and organizing. So far

this week, I have cleaned out two rooms and almost have every OT room organized to their

liking.

Throughout the week, I have been able to see the ins and outs of pediatric OT. 95% of the

patients we see have autism. Each day I have mainly shadowing and learning how to help each

kid strive toward their goals. I assist them in a variety of different obstacle courses, I assist them

with their drawing and cutting through arts and crafts, I assist them with different games that are

aimed towards their goal, I assist them with their activities of daily living (putting clothes on a

hanger, working in the kitchen, etc.), and so much more. By the end of the week, they let me sit

in on an evaluation and taught me about the scoring process.

There were many ups and downs throughout the week as well. I had to learn how to

correct and adjust the behaviors of children who did not pay attention and had stems. They

taught me how to react in different scenarios in the best way in order to teach the child the

correct manners. The children’s stems come in different forms, so you have to know how to
adjust to each one on an individual level. Some of them will hit, bite, or even self-harm and that

was a huge change for me, because I did not know how to handle that.

I have additionally built many connections with each of the occupational therapist. They

have given me insight on their experiences on OT school and how they ended up at High Hopes.

Many of them went to school at places I am applying to, so I will be able to get recommendation

letters from them.

Overall, it was a great week and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity. I have

learned and experienced so many different things that I was not aware of. It has made me feel

more confident in my abilities, and I cannot wait to see what the next few months have in store.
WEEK ONE

Day Time In Lunch Time Out Hours Worked

Monday, 10:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. 7 Hours

May 9th 1:00 P.M.

Tuesday, 9:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. 8 Hours

May 10th 1:00 P.M.

Wednesday, 9:00 A.M 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. 8 Hours

May 11th 1:00 P.M.

Thursday, 9:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. 8 Hours

May 12th 1:00 P.M.

Friday, 8:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. 8 Hours

May 13th 1:00 P.M.

Total Weekly 39 Hours

Hours

Total Hours to 39 Hours

Date