Ep. 53 Clothes on Backward? A Super Simple Visual Cue for Dressing

Why can a child complete every step of dressing… but still put the shirt on backward? In this episode of Ideas at Play, we explore a simple, research-backed occupational therapy strategy that improved clothing orientation using one small visual cue (yes — it involves duct tape). We break down why dressing orientation can be so tricky, how this approach compares to other OT and ABA interventions, and how motor learning can support independence. If backward clothes are a sticking point in your OT sessions, this episode offers a practical, low-cost strategy you can try tomorrow.

We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. 

Foster, H. G., Elliott, T.-C. C., & Ayres, K. M. (2023). Using a tag as a stimulus prompt to increase correct dressing orientation. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 48(4), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/15407969231205849

Cahill, S. M., & Beisbier, S. (2020). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for children and youth ages 5–21 years. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 7404397010p1–7404397010p48. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.744001

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