The Infant Space Theory

The Infant Space Theory (IST) is a model of practice theory that discusses different ways that babies interact with the things in their environment. There are four aspects: gaze and visual play, mapping and ranging of the home landscape, stationary object play, and mobile object play. Along with those four primary aspects, The Infant Space Theory talks about certain developmental milestones and needs of infants and how important it is for therapists to understand the infants development. 

This theory applies to infants starting from 2-6 months until the child becomes mobile can perform activities such as jumping, dancing, and climbing in the home setting.

The theory states that children 2-6 months begin to gaze and search for things with their eyes and explore out of reach objects. Then they progress to using their hands and eyes together. In the second aspect of mapping and ranging the home landscape, children begin to recognize things and using their home space. The third concept addresses playing with objects, and the fourth addresses mobil object play. These are considered to be functional according to the IST.

While using this theory, an OT might assess an infant to see if he or she has a developmental disability. Using early intervention, therapists can address issues and promote the development of infants including visual and motor abilities.

Terms to know for this theory:

-Gaze and Visual Play- when a child gazes, searches, and scans out of reach objects

-Mapping and Ranging- recognizing certain things of their environment (i.e. a changing table, a certain room in the house, etc).

-Stationary Object Play- when a child comes in contact with single object while being still

-Mobile Object Play- when a child gains mobility and begins playing with objects, launching or dropping objects, and pushing, pulling, and riding objects

To learn more about this theory, check out the link below!

http://ottheory.com/therapy-model/infant-space-theory