Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Parent Perceived Facilitators And Barriers To Implementation Of Ayres Sensory Integration® (Asi) Parent Education Modules For Autistic Children, Emily E. Lowry, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is an evidence-based intervention for children with challenges in sensory integration. Parent education is an integral part of ASI (Parham et al., 2011). To address parent education, researchers developed the ASI Parent Education Modules, developed by a team of researchers (Schaaf et al., 2015) and embellished by others (Roan et al., 2022) designed to educate parents about their child’s sensory integrative challenges, ideas for addressing these at home, and to promote collaboration between therapists and parents.

Objective: To examine parental perceptions of the facilitators and barriers impacting the implementation of ASI Parent Education Modules for …

The Experience Of The Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Waiting Room Design For Autistic Children, Maria J. Vetter, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Autistic children attend an annual average of 41.5 outpatient visits, while typically developing children attend an average of 3.3 visits (Liptak, Stuart, & Auinger, 2006). Autistic children generally experience sensory processing and self-regulation differences. Outpatient therapy waiting rooms are frequented by autistic children for outpatient services. These settings consist of unpredictable and uncontrollable stimuli that may be difficult for children with different sensory needs to tolerate, leading to high stress levels and struggles with self-regulation impacting their experience (Higuera-Trujillo et al., 2020; Schaaf et al., 2011). However, there is scant occupational therapy research informing the design of supportive waiting …

Learning Within The Autism Perspective, Sarina Alvarez, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The project addresses the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within school settings, aiming to improve educational outcomes and quality of life. It highlights the role occupational therapists play in fostering collaboration and creating a supportive environment. The program utilizes a variety of activities to positively impact students education and encourage educational participation. Recommendations include further distribution of the activities to different campuses to promote program adoption.

Inclusive Sports Environments: Youth Gymnastics Coaches’ Perceptions On Promoting Inclusivity For Autistic Athletes, Alec D. Sheaffer

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Despite the positive physical, psychological, and social benefits of sports, children with disabilities participate in sports at a lower rate than their typically developing peers. Partnerships between occupational therapists and youth sports providers can facilitate inclusive sports environments that enable equitable access to sports for all children.

Purpose: The purpose of the Capstone Project was to explore youth gymnastics coaches’ perceptions on inclusive sports participation following an educational module.

Theoretical Framework. The occupational justice framework (Townsend & Wilcock, 2004) guided the development of the project through the view that equitable participation in preferred occupations is an individual right.

Methods. …

Physical Activity For Anxiety For Autistic People: A Systematic Review, Kathryn Riis, Brittany Samulski, Kristina A. Neely, Patricia Laverdure

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in autistic people. Due to the prevalence of anxiety in the autism population and the adverse effects it causes, there is a critical need to develop effective interventions which address anxiety symptoms for autistic people. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of physical activity as an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people. Three databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane RCTs, were searched utilizing key terms. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 44 studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, the type of physical activity performed, the …

Advancing Opportunities For The Autistic Community At West Virginia University, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have difficulties with social integration and sensory challenges on collegiate campuses. These difficulties are sometimes tied together as social integration spaces are not always sensory-friendly and can be overwhelming for the individual. Creating a sensory-friendly space within the potentially overstimulating environment can provide the student with a place to recharge and recover and still access the desired social events. This capstone project focused on the design and development of a sensory room in the West Virginia University Mountain Lair Student Union, working directly with the students in the West Virginia University Autism Support Program …

Exploration Of Occupational Therapy Practice For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders In The Dominican Republic, Katherine Lally, Michelle Messer, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: To better understand the current practice trends of ASD treatment globally and promote practitioner collaboration, it is important to complete studies in countries where little is known about the diagnosis and treatment of ASD through an occupational lens. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into how occupational therapists in the Dominican Republic evaluate and treat children diagnosed with ASD.

Method: This qualitative descriptive study explored the perception of occupational therapists (n = 6) and caregivers of children with ASD (n = 28) through a questionnaire and focus group. Interview transcripts and questionnaire text …

Connected Rhythm: A Scoping Review Of Therapeutic Drumming As An Intervention For Autistic Individuals, Zahava L. Friedman, Jorge Ochoa, Dina Prisco, Francine M. Seruya

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurologically-based developmental disorder representing a subdomain of neurodivergence. Occupational therapy intervention for ASD typically incorporates sensory modalities, addressing a multitude of challenges, including mental health outcomes. This scoping review analyzes available evidence of the sensory-based intervention of therapeutic drumming (TD) to improve mental health in autistic clients.

Method: Following the Johanna Briggs methodological framework, Proquest, Ebsco, Scopus and OTseeker databases were searched with the key and related words of “autism,” “therapeutic drumming,” and “mental health,” yielding 448 articles. After removal of duplicates and application of inclusion criteria, seventeen articles were included …

Exploring The Use Of Ecological Momentary Assessment Within A Telehealth Intervention For Families Of Children With Autism, Anna Wallisch, Lauren Little, Allison Wainer, Winnie Dunn

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to measure parent self-efficacy and stress throughout a 9-week occupation-based coaching telehealth intervention for families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Methods. The participants included seven families of children with ASD 2 to 6 years of age. The parents were sent emails to gather EMA measures weekly during the intervention. We used percentages to examine response rates to EMA surveys and a mixed-model regression to examine changes in parent-self efficacy and stress during the intervention.

Results. The parents responded to …

Advocating And Educating The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Adaptive Swim Lessons Among Children With Autism, Charlotte Leonard, Zeida Gutierrez, Jon Edenfield

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Children with autism are 160x more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers (Autism Society of Florida, n.d.). Many parents and caregivers put protective layers in place such as locks, gates, and fencing. However, children with autism are known to wander from safe spaces. According to the Autism Society of Florida (n.d.) children with autism are naturally drawn to water due to its ability to ease sensory needs. Brenner …

Exploration Of Ayres Sensory Integration® In School-Based Practice: A Clinician’S Perspective, Maria Cerase, Otd, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: While Ayres Sensory Integration^® is an evidenced-based intervention for autism with potential application in school settings (Whiting et al., 2023; Steinbrenner et al., 2020; May-Benson et al., 2014), school-based occupational therapists perceive challenges in its implementation.

Objectives: To explore the current factors, including facilitators and barriers, identified by school-based occupational therapists impacting the use of ASI intervention in school-based practice.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology from a national sample of school-based occupational therapists.

Results: Descriptive statistics calculated for frequency and percentages of reported responses. Top perceived barriers to ASI implementation in the …

School Participation Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Food Selectivity, Courtney Desol, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are five times more likely to have feeding challenges than neurotypical peers (Sharp et al., 2013). Of these feeding challenges, food selectivity is among the most prevalent (Leader et al., 2020) and is defined as food refusal or limited food repertoire (Bandini et al., 2017). Food selectivity has been correlated with nutrition inadequacies (Bandini et al., 2010; Sharp et al., 2013) and poor diet quality (Johnson et al., 2014) in children with ASD. Additionally, correlations exist with sensory processing difficulties (Leader et al., 2020; Suarez et al., 2014), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Johnson …

Occupational Therapists’ Role In Educating Caregivers On Pediatric Sensory Interventions Guided By Neurodiversity Principles, Deanna Bourgeois

Student Capstone Papers

Background: Neurodivergent children often experience differences in sensory processing and self-regulation. Traditional sensory-based interventions are frequently used by occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) and caregivers to address dysregulation. However, sensory-based interventions, while often strengths-based, are not always neurodiversity-affirming.

Problem: There are minimal educational resources available to both OTP and caregivers that promote neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions to support neurodivergent children.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to create self-paced educational modules to teach neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions that promote children's self-regulation. To achieve this goal, the student investigator developed virtual educational modules and piloted them with OTP, occupational therapy …

Promoting Neurodiversity Across The Lifespan, Erika Chavez, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A poster to assess the overall needs of neurodiverse populations who participate in adult day programs and have opportunities to engage within their community. The purpose was to empower neurodiverse populations throughout adulthood to be themselves and engage with others and in occupations as they see fit.

Elopement Prevention: Promoting Safety And Supporting Participation, Sarah C. Duckworth

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to create resources promoting elopement prevention and provide suggestions for anti-elopement equipment visits at the Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating & Mobility Clinic. Research indicates that 50% of families have never received guidance about elopement prevention from a healthcare professional. The tools created during this capstone project were meant to improve equipment visits, educate caregivers, and empower future occupational therapy practitioners. The goals were achieved through collaboration with stakeholders, completing a review of the literature, attending a child passenger safety technician course, and developing resources. The result was a social story and sensory toolbox for …

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Morgan E. Fambro, Kendahl Schlosser, Carmen H. Ausserer

Client Educational Handouts

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder often caused by genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors. ASD can be present in many different forms and severity levels. On the mild end of the spectrum people are often able to enter into mainstream education and integrate into the workplace with the use of therapeutic learned skills to improve their social skills. On the more severe end of the spectrum, autistic people may never learn functional social skills or ways to communicate. These barriers can be challenging for the autistic person and their family. It is a disorder that is lifelong. Treatments …

Educational Modules Promoting Neurodiversity-Affirming Sensory Interventions, Deanna Bourgeois, Mary Smith, Gina Benavente

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodivergent children often experience differences in sensory processing and self-regulation. Traditional sensory-based interventions are frequently used by occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) and caregivers to address dysregulation. Sensory-based interventions are strengths-based but not always neurodiversity-affirming. There are few educational resources available that promote neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions.

The purpose of this project was to create self-paced educational modules to teach neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions promoting children's self-regulation. The student investigator developed virtual educational modules and piloted them with OTP, occupational therapy students, and caregivers during the capstone experience. The participants engaged with the modules and also submitted responses to pre-and post-surveys. Based on …

Sensory Map Of Local Zoo: A Capstone Project, Felicity Elsaesser

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone was conducted at the Cleveland Zoo in partnership with Cleveland State University. An accessible map was created to allow individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy this large, outdoor space. The final outcome was an increase in the accessibility and inclusivity at the zoo.

The Parents' Perspective: Experiences In Parent-Mediated Pediatric Occupational Therapy For Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Allison Klowan, Mary Beth Kadlec, Stefanie Johnston

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Parent-mediated occupational therapy (OT) is a family-centered method of providing care for children and their families. This study aimed to understand and describe the parents’ perspectives of whether parent-mediated OT services improve child participation and parent-child social interactions in the home and community.

Method: This study was performed with a qualitative, phenomenological research design using focus groups. Eight participants were included in the study who were parents of children with at least one NDD, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Results: Four major themes were developed: It’s a Family Affair, Sometimes it Just Takes …

Case Study - The Outcomes Of Occupational Therapy For An Autistic Teen, Molly Boyle

Honors Theses

This study sought to understand the outcomes of occupational therapy through interviews of a person with autism spectrum disorder (defined below), their family, and an occupational therapist. By interviewing each of these people, this study aimed to examine the impact of occupational therapy on the autonomy and independence of a young adult with autism and his family.

Sensory Adaptive Environment To Enhance Participation In Healthcare For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Interdisciplinary Design Thinking Approach, Lady Rios-Vega, Otd, Otr/L, Amy Carroll, Otd, Otr/L, Rachel L. Dumont, Otr/L, Dianne Treadwell-Deering, Md, Matthew Fields, Md, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction/Background

• Participation in healthcare for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming resulting in stressful responses safety concerns.¹
• Sensory features impact healthcare participation.
• Up to 84% of individuals with ASD experience atypical sensory features of : - Hyper or hypo reactivity to sensation.²
  - Unusual sensory interests in the environment.²
  - Poor sensory integration.²
• Families may refrain from participation in medical care to prevent negative experiences, contributing to occupational deprivation.¹
• Sensory Adaptive Environments (SAE) may improve participation for autistic persons.^1,3,4

The Simulated Café: A Virtually Delivered Pre-Employment Transition Program For Students With Autism, Leah Haller, Otd, Otr/L, Amy Carroll, Otd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

• Fewer than half the young adults diagnosed with autism are employed (Gotham et al., 2015; Chiang, et al, 2013).
• Individuals diagnosed with autism have a higher rate of unemployment compared to those with other disabilities (Buescher et al., 2014).
• Educators of individuals diagnosed with autism stress employment as a desired and measured outcome (Schall et al. 2012).
• Parents of individuals diagnosed with autism rated employment support as the greatest service priority (Neary et al.,2015).
• Individuals diagnosed with autism are 7.36 times more likely to be in paid employment if they receive vocational services (Park & Bouk, 2018).
• In the …

Exploring Community Recreation And Leisure Of Young Adults With Autism, Alexandria Taylor, Otd, Otr/L, Eis, Amy Carroll, Otd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

• Adults with autism participate less in the community compared to adults with other diagnoses (e.g., intellectual disability, emo tional disturbance, and learning disabilities) (Myers et al., 2015; Orsmond et al., 2013).
• Quantitative studies have shown the benefits of participating in recreation and leisure activities for young adults with auti sm (Bishop Fitzpatrick et al., 2017; Garcia Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010; Stacey et al., 2019).
• The use of qualitative research has been recommended to offer a deeper understanding (Stacey et al., 2019).
• The lack of opportunity for young adults with autism to share their experiences and opinions can lead to …

Neurodiversity Inclusive Practices In Higher Education: Using A Needs Assessment To Spur Change Throughout University Systems, Caitlin Rosica, Otd, Amy Carroll, Otd, Otr/L, Lady Rios-Vega, Otd, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

• Approximately 50% of autistic people have average or above average intelligence, and growing numbers of autistic young adults attend college.¹
• Autistic students experience poor outcomes in college despite being academically well qualified. 34.9% of autistic young adults attempt college within 6 years of high school.² Of those, approximately 39% will graduate.³
• In higher education, there may be a mismatch in supports needed by autistic students versus supports provided.
• Autistic students report difficulty with sensory overload, mental health concerns, and daily living tasks.⁴
• The majority of supports for autistic students focus on academics, which is a …

Ipads For Autism A Web Based Professional Learning Community For Teachers To Support Tablet Usage In Autism Classrooms, Emily E. Smith, Otd, Otr/L, Amy Carroll, Otd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background and Significance

Since its emergence in 2010 the mobile technology of the iPad has excited both parents and teachers for its potential in the classroom. The portability of networked mobile technologies has helped students of all abilities to discover, influence, and examine knowledge as well as interact with educators and other students across the world.¹ While many school students have access to iPads, simply having technology in the school environment does not ensure teachers are ready to use it to their full potential.² Teachers need sufficient professional development to align knowledge of technology, pedagogy, and learning content. …

Occupational Disruption: The Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Behavioral Inflexibility And Anxiety Of Autistic Children, Aaron R. Dallman, Catherine Perry, Jessica Goldblum, Nicole M. Butera, Brian Boyd, Clare Harrop

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented changes to the lives of many. The aim of this paper was to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted behavioral inflexibility (BI) and anxiety among autistic children and how autistic children and their families have adapted to COVID-19-related routine changes.

Methods: This sequential mixed-method study included two phases. During the first phase, parents of autistic children (N = 48) completed an online survey consisting of the Behavioral Inflexibility Scale (BIS) and the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale – Autism Spectrum Disorder (PRAS-ASD). During the second phase, a subset of parents (parents of adolescents, N …

Nurturing Personal Capacities Through Engagement In Art, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Andy Wunderlin, an artist based in Vicksburg, MI, provided the cover art for the Spring 2022 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Tree with Birds” is a 10” x 13” drawing made from colored pencil (see Figure 1). Andy’s style is uniquely photorealistic. His work involves meticulous attention to detail. Each piece takes between 6 months and 2 years to complete. For Andy, drawing provides a powerful source of motivation and purpose. Art has played an important role in the development of Andy’s personal capacities and potential.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices Are A Moral Imperative For Occupational Therapy, Aaron R. Dallman, Kathryn L. Williams, Lauren Villa

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The term neurodiversity encompasses neurological differences such as clinical labels of autism, learning disabilities, synesthesia, hyperactivity disorders, and more. Proponents of the neurodiversity movement argue that current therapeutic and medical practices often attempt to “normalize” behaviors and ways of participation that originate from these differences in neurology and contribute to an individual’s sense of identity. This paper argues that an ethical and morally just occupational therapy practice should affirm neurodivergent ways of being, and that occupational therapists must be active agents of change by listening to and collaborating with their neurodiverse clientele. We focus the discussion on our work with …

Aquatic Developmental Play Program For Children In Early Intervention: A Case Series, Brynn N. Butzman, Cynthia Lau, Cheryl Vanier

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Despite limited evidence, aquatic programming has the potential to be an ideal intervention for young children with disabilities because of its unique and dynamic properties. This study explored the impact of an aquatic developmental play program in addressing sensory integration and motor development needs of children with disabilities as well as its impact on parental isolation.

Methods: A case series design was used. Children with disabilities under 3 years of age and their parents participated in a 9-week aquatic developmental play program held in the community. Goals were individualized for each participant and monitored using the Goal …

Illuminate Academy Kindergarten Market Research And Shine Shop, Shauna Rocha

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Illuminate Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Illuminate Academy is a not-for-profit alternative to a public or private school for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. One of the primary foci of this project was to develop a kindergarten market research guide comparing Illuminate Academy with other inclusive kindergarten programs as a resource for the agency as well as current and prospective families in Middle Tennessee. Another primary focus of this project was to create social media and marketing materials for Illuminate Academy’s Shine Shop, a transition service that provides students …