Virtual reality goggles may be a feasible, noninvasive alternative to traditional pharmacologic treatment. The cost of any intervention would need to be considered. Virtual reality should be researched and adapted to benefit patients in appropriate settings.

The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who participated in 10 one-hour coaching sessions. Coaching occurred between an occupational therapist and mother and consisted of information sharing, action, and reflection. Researchers asked 10 mothers six open-ended questions with follow-up probes related to their experiences with coaching. Themes were identified, labeled, and categorized. Themes emerged related to relationships, analysis, reflection, mindfulness, and self-efficacy. Findings indicate that parents perceive the therapist-parent relationship, along with analysis and reflection, as core features that facilitate increased mindfulness and self-efficacy. The findings suggest that how an intervention is provided can lead to positive outcomes, including increased mindfulness and self-efficacy.

Research measuring sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown variability in terms of measures used and participant ages, contributing to difficulty in interpreting and summarizing the findings of these studies. In an attempt to clarify the status of the literature, we conducted a systematic review of studies that focused on participation in daily occupations and evaluated sensory processing in children with ASD aged 5-13 yr using Dunn's sensory processing framework. Evidence from 7 studies shows that sensory processing has a significant impact on participation in daily life of children with ASD. Included studies demonstrated medium and low levels of evidence. Additional research using more robust scientific methods is needed.

This study explored blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) patients' perceptions of an art-making experience during BMT treatment. Participants including patients receiving BMT for a variety of cancers (10 men/10 women, aged 20-68) were offered a 1 hour tile-painting activity during treatment. Participants with cognitive impairment and respiratory precautions were excluded from the study. Researchers followed immune precaution protocols for the safety of participants. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 participants to gather information about their perceptions of the art-making experience in a BMT clinic setting. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed. Researchers coded transcripts independently and discussed outcomes together to achieve agreement on themes. Twelve themes emerged from the data, with the three most prevalent themes being Occupying Time (20.5%), Creative Expression (13.5%), and Reactions to Tile Painting (13.5%). Other themes included Support (12.2%), Side Effects (7.3%), Other Activities Suggested by Patients (7%), BMT Treatment Process (6.2%), Shared Painting Experience (5.9%), Life Outlook (5.2%), BMT Life Changes (3.8%), Spirituality (3%) and Barriers (1.9%). Through analysis of these themes, researchers have identified this art-making experience as a diversional or meaningful way to spend time during treatment, a medium for creative expression, and a distraction from negative side effects of the BMT process.

Art making and music listening are safe and desirable for patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation in an outpatient clinic. Nurses might consider partnering with therapists to offer these creative therapies as diversion during treatment.