Üsküdar University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy Application and Research Center (MÜTEM) organized “Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Applications-VI” within the scope of March 21 World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, the event discussed the importance and effects of Occupational Therapy on individuals with Down syndrome. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists who are experts in their field also attended the event.
The online event attracted significant interest from participants.
The program was attended by Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of Üsküdar University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Erg. Emel Gençtürk, Erg. Edanur Yıldız, Fzt. İlkan Mursal, Erg. Özge Özgenç, Erg. Melek Dilara Öztek, and Erg. Barış Uzundağ.
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova: “True success is possible when knowledge finds its application in the field”
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of Üsküdar University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, and Director of MÜTEM, who delivered her speech within the scope of the program, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary interventions in occupational therapy. Asqarova said: “A single method is not enough to provide the best service. We need proven scientific sources, to consider patients’ preferences, and to benefit from expert opinions. The essential thing is to bring together clinical evidence obtained from scientific research to find the most accurate path. At this point, for evidence-based practices to be successful, experts from different disciplines need to work together in a coordinated manner. In this context, an interdisciplinary intervention model is essential. Our goal is not just to produce theory but also to transfer research results into practice. Because true success is possible when knowledge finds its application in the field. Therefore, we need the power of teamwork, interdisciplinary cooperation, and, of course, an approach based on scientific evidence more than ever.”
Erg. Emel Gençtürk: “Individuals with Down syndrome add great meaning to our lives”
Erg. Emel Gençtürk delivered her speech at the event. Gençtürk said: “We are here to support individuals’ equal and independent participation in life, with the awareness that differences are valuable. Individuals with Down syndrome add great meaning to our lives with their sincerity and love. When provided with appropriate support, they not only become included in society but also add value to society and become pioneers of change. It is precisely at this point that occupational therapy makes significant contributions to individuals discovering their strengths, improving their quality of life, and integrating into society. It is our common responsibility to provide equal opportunities and support their independence.”
Erg. Edanur Yıldız: “These skills begin to develop from birth”
Within the scope of the event, Erg. Edanur Yıldız presented her presentation titled “Executive Function Skills and Development in Children.” Yıldız said: “Executive functions encompass complex cognitive skills such as attention, planning, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, idea generation, self-control, and working memory, playing an important role in an individual’s daily life, social relationships, and academic success. These skills begin to develop from birth, with the most rapid development occurring between 3-7 years of age, continuing into early adulthood. While the late maturation of the prefrontal cortex affects this process, biological processes like myelination, synaptogenesis, and neuroplasticity support development. Theory of Mind, which is closely related to executive functions, refers to an individual’s ability to understand the mental states of others and is critical for social interaction. Current research indicates significant connections between executive functions and Theory of Mind, and that these skills are intertwined with both individual and social cognitive development.”
Fzt. İlkan Mursal: “Early intervention programs improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome”
Fzt. İlkan Mursal presented her presentation titled “Effects of Early Intervention on Physical, Socio-Emotional, and Mental Development in Down Syndrome.” Mursal said: “Early intervention programs improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. While physiotherapy and motor skill training enhance mobility, special education programs facilitate communication and learning. These approaches, which contribute to increased social interaction and self-confidence, also enable families to better understand and support their children. Individualized education programs starting early help maximize mental potential and encourage active participation of individuals in society.”
Erg. Özge Özgenç: “A multidisciplinary approach is adopted in nutrition therapy”
Erg. Özge Özgenç presented her presentation titled “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Nutrition Therapy: Holistic Approaches to Eating Disorders.” Özgenç said: “Nutrition therapy is a process aimed at helping individuals develop healthy and balanced eating habits. Occupational therapists work to improve the eating process by supporting the sensory, motor, and behavioral skills of individuals experiencing eating disorders. They help individuals adapt to the eating process by using methods such as teaching self-feeding skills, sensory integration therapy, and family education. Research shows that occupational therapy interventions develop children’s independent eating skills. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted in nutrition therapy; occupational therapists collaborate with dieticians, speech and language therapists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists to address an individual’s eating process comprehensively.”
Erg. Melek Dilara Öztek: “Creative music therapy is a therapy approach that integrates the family”
Erg. Melek Dilara Öztek shared her presentation titled “Creative Music Therapy Applications for Premature Babies” with the participants. Öztek said: “In premature babies staying in the neonatal intensive care unit, stimuli such as stress and pain activate the neuroendocrine system, negatively affecting development. Additionally, in this noisy and brightly lit environment, away from parent-infant contact, the fragile physical condition and immature organ systems of the premature baby are negatively affected. Research on the real benefits that creative music therapy can provide to premature babies shows positive results. Creative music therapists assess the baby’s breathing patterns, facial expressions, and gestures to create a musical response by humming and singing lullaby-style. Furthermore, creative music therapy is a therapy approach that integrates the family. During therapy, it supports an intuitive parent-infant interaction and thus provides music therapy during skin-to-skin contact to strengthen bonds, and the parent is individually included in the therapeutic process.”
Erg. Barış Uzundağ: “This approach has gained an important place in the field of health and rehabilitation”
Erg. Barış Uzundağ made his presentation titled “Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy Applications.” Uzundağ said: “Animal-Assisted Therapy, one of the methods applied to increase individuals’ independence and quality of life in daily living, involves the conscious and structured inclusion of animals in the therapeutic process to support emotional, social, and physical development. Today, this approach, which provides multifaceted benefits such as increasing motivation, reducing stress levels, and strengthening communication, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, has gained an important place in the field of health and rehabilitation. In therapeutic interventions, animals such as dogs, horses, and cats facilitate the individual feeling safe, establishing a bond, and participating more actively in the process. Especially in therapies conducted with dogs, correctly understanding the dog’s behaviors, boundaries, and communication language; observing its emotional state, and managing its stress are of great importance for the healthy progression of the therapeutic process.”
Specialist Fzt. Esra Cömert: “Early development of praxis is crucial in Down syndrome”
Specialist Fzt. Esra Cömert shared her presentation titled “Down Syndrome and Praxis” with the participants. Cömert said: “Praxis is essential in many experiences requiring participation in daily life for children, such as performing self-care skills, playing with peers, and copying what they see on the board into their notebooks. Children experiencing motor planning and praxis problems can often be described by their parents as stubborn and difficult. However, children avoid action because they have difficulty sequencing and performing the demands expected of them. Praxis is an area of special interest in Down syndrome for improving daily living skills and social participation. Early praxis skills, such as reaching for an object with a plan, develop in the first few years of life in typically developing children. Many praxis skills are involved in daily living activities such as brushing teeth and eating independently. Since these skills are crucial for later independence in adulthood, the early development of praxis is very important in Down syndrome.”
At the end of the program, Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova evaluated all presentations and extended her thanks to the participants.