Using a pre-test, post-test experimental design, effects of a 1-year group leisure program were examined on 31 participants (20 male and 11 female), ages 27-38 (M = 32.05 at start of program), with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis randomly assigned to the experimental condition and a group of 20 adults with ASD randomly assigned to the…

Therapeutic Recreation Service (TRS) in the United States has been influenced by two major catalysts: legislative policies and changes in images and attitudes related to individuals with disabilities. This article concisely addresses these two catalysts and overviews five selected resultant changes in TRS. (IAH)

Discusses the implications of the rapid, dramatic changes taking place in therapeutic recreation for individuals with physical disabilities. The article notes the impact of changes in managed care, examines programming trends in therapeutic recreation (adventure/outdoor education, competitive sports, handcycling, health enhancement activities, and…

Discusses sport transitions for athletes with disabilities, presenting a conceptual overview of sport withdrawal and the application of transition theory to sport transitions, examining factors associated with successful sport transitions, and making suggestions for how therapeutic recreation specialists and other sport figures can help athletes…

Addressed to therapists who work with adults with learning disabilities (LDs), four points crucial in leisure advisement are discussed in this paper: (1) personal leisure identity; (2) locating resources in the community; (3) scheduling leisure time; and (4) motivation for involvement. Therapists must help their clients with self discovery by…

The "scribble technique," described by Florence Cane's book, "The Artist in Each of Us" (1983), has historically been employed by art therapists as a technique to reduce inhibitions and liberate spontaneous imagery from the unconscious. Reviews the technique and presents examples produced by adult patients in an acute inpatient…

Therapeutic recreation professionals often use aquatic therapy to improve physiological and psychological functioning, and they have reported improvements for people with many different types of disabilities. The paper discusses aquatic therapy methods, water as a therapeutic environment, professional training and development, and lifestyle…

This conference proceedings report includes papers submitted by 19 presenters addressing current trends, critical issues, and emerging perspectives. Titles of the papers are as follows: (1) "Envisioning Your Own Destiny: The Case for Strategic Planning in the Park and Recreation Movement" (H. Gray, D. McLean, and E. Crook); (2)…

Therapeutic recreation is important in treating substance abuse problems. It addresses attitudes and behaviors leading to substance abuse (inability to experience pleasure or control). It encourages participation in activities that help abusers cope and obtain enjoyable states, reducing reliance on drugs. The article discusses the theory of flow…

Identifies common imagery created by psychiatric inpatients through the amusement park technique; demonstrates how the artwork serves to identify the psychodynamic concerns of the mentally ill substance abuser. Connections are examined relating patients choice of image, psychiatric diagnosis, and drug of choice. This technique offers promise for…

This study investigated the relationship between skill performance levels of 31 elite male wheelchair basketball players and their international player classification level. Analysis of a skills test of each athlete indicated that there is a need to reevaluate the functional classification system used in wheelchair basketball competitions. (SM)

Assessed the outcome of a therapeutic horseback riding program for adults with physical disabilities. A one-group, pre- test/post-test design was used to evaluate changes on level of physical and global self-efficacy. Behavioral indices of self-confidence were also evaluated. Physical self-efficacy and behavioral self-confidence increased from…

This publication is designed to assist in the development of therapeutic recreation services in the community and may also be used in the preparation of procedural manuals or risk management plans. Therapeutic recreation is defined as the process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, applied through a helping relationship to…

Provides information to therapeutic recreation professionals on multicultural issues and provides guidelines on language usage. Suggests that professionals follow American Psychological Association guidelines in writing and indicates ways to implement more culturally sensitive therapeutic recreation practices. (SM)

Investigated whether a community based fitness program could help improve the fitness levels of adults with developmental disabilities (predominantly mental retardation) and promote fitness and exercise. Pretest-posttest data indicated that personalized social support increased participant compliance and motivation, adaptations in routines helped…