Pediatrics Commons^™

Caregiver Perspective On Sensory Diet And Therapeutic Listening For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And/Or Sensory Processing Disorder, Mikayla M. Brett, Lynette Zulquairnain, Katlyn Ribant

Pediatrics

Due to the high prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), there is a high demand for more research on effective interventions in order to improve quality of life and engagement in meaningful occupations for individuals with ASD and/or SPD. Sensory Diet (SD) and Therapeutic Listening © (TL) are interventions commonly utilized with individuals with ASD and/or SPD, however, there is limited research on their combined use. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the combined occupational therapy (OT) interventions of SD and TL on the occupational performance of children with ASD …

Exploring The Connections Between The Presence Of Developmental Trauma And Clinical Reasoning: The Lived Experience Of Pediatric Occupational Therapists, Gwendolyn R. Blake, Briar E. Plantinga, Julie Shafer

Pediatrics

Background: Developmental trauma is a current issue facing the nation. It adversely affects participation in occupations across the lifespan. This paper examines how the clinical reasoning of practicing pediatric occupational therapists changes when treating clients who have experienced developmental trauma.

Methods: A phenomenological approach was applied using multiple cases. Four individuals, who identified as working with clients with developmental trauma, were interviewed using a series of semi-structured and open-ended questions on their experience treating these clients.

Results: Narrative transcripts were reviewed by the authors and organized into themes of performance patterns of the therapist and the context of developmental trauma …

Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of Sensory Room Interventions On Student Readiness In Muskegon County, Emilie Brzak, Olivia Deweerd, Erica Roll

Pediatrics

Aim: This study is a program evaluation of four different sensory rooms in the schools within Muskegon County Northern Service Unit (NSU) to uncover the benefits of sensory interventions on students’ school readiness.

Methods: Grand Valley State University occupational therapy students analyzed data from the school occupational therapists to promote evidence based practice of this program.

Results: Within this program, sensory interventions increased students’ school readiness.

Conclusion: Outcomes indicate that the primary means of increasing students’ school readiness include transitioning to an active activity following sensory interventions and participating in multiple stations. Results are not generalizable to other programs.

Creative Movement Dance Class For Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Zoe N. Brennan, Abigail L. Koning, April L. Miller

Pediatrics

Objective: The objective of this phenomenological study was to identify how an occupational therapy developed Creative Movement Dance Class (CMDC) addresses social interaction skills in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Method: Interviews were conducted with a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Occupational Therapist (OT), ballet instructor, student intern, teacher, and an aide that were directly involved with the CMDC.

Results: Three themes were identified. The first theme, structure of the class, consisted of eight sub-themes including opportunity to practice, fulfilling sensory needs, the Just Right Challenge, classroom support, classroom expectations, interprofessional collaboration, themes, and format of the class. The …

The Effect Of Occupational Therapy Play-Based Interventions On Cooperative Behavior In Elementary School Aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shaunna Kelder, Jennifer E. Langill, Carol A. Reiss, Nicole F. Socia

Pediatrics

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners regarding the effect play-based interventions have on cooperative behaviors in elementary school aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While occupational therapy practitioners use a variety of interventions involving play to enhance skills related to social, self-regulation and communication, the concept of how play affects cooperative behavior, specifically in children with ASD, has not been readily identified. This qualitative research project utilized an anonymous survey to collect the perceptions of occupational therapists (OT) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA). The intent of the survey was to …

The Use Of Sensory Spaces In Schools, Syeda S. Mahmood, Erin E. Mallekoote, Ashley Rister

Pediatrics

Objective: This mixed methods continuing line of inquiry was conducted in order to identify how occupational therapists (OTs) report that sensory spaces are being used in Michigan public school settings. This includes who uses the spaces, what purpose the space serves, and the training that individuals utilizing the spaces have received.

Methods: A link to a survey, which was adapted from Abbot, Wills, and Hanert (2015), was posted on the Michigan Alliance of School Physical and Occupational Therapists’ (MASPOT) listServ and Michigan Occupational Therapy Association’s (MiOTA) facebook page in June of 2016 in order to recruit participations. The …

Dance & Down Syndrome: Parental Perceptions On Dance And Movement-Based Interventions, Ami A. Parke, Cara J. Murray, Rebecca D. Need, Kathryn Edick

Pediatrics

This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to identify parent or guardian perceptions on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions for their child who has Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome face limitations in social-emotional skills, physical skills, and life skills, and research on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions demonstrated some evidence of improvements in these skills. Researchers utilized a parent focus group in order to gain insight into how dance impacts their children with Down syndrome. A number of themes emerged from the data analysis process including improved movement, psychological well-being, and routine and retention. The theme …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions, Meredith L. Aja, Katie L. Cole, Trenton S. Warning

Pediatrics

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current role of occupational therapy (OT) in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an umbrella term that encompasses six subtypes of the disease. JIA is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and loss of function, as well as psychosocial impacts. JIA participants generally receive pharmacological treatment, but less commonly receive therapeutic interventions to help reduce symptoms. Individualized treatment plans are necessary for clients with JIA due to the diverse nature of the disease. …

A Retrospective Study Of Handwriting Skills Of Kindergarten Students, Danielle Benter, Dawn Fields, Catherine Nichols

Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to guide teachers and occupational therapist in recognizing handwriting needs in order to provide appropriate early intervention support for handwriting.

METHOD: 218 kindergarten students in a public school district were screened for handwriting ability using the Handwriting Without Tears and the Public School’s copy screeners. Students were assessed three times during the 2014 to 2015 school year on letter memory, line placement, letter orientation, copy legibility, and copy placement skills.

RESULTS: The results indicated that winter scores were a better predictor of spring scores. Significant effects in four out of five variables were …