Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Playful Progress: A Parent's Guide To Growth And Development, Gabriella N. Lawrey

Honors Theses

This thesis presents a creative project aimed at empowering parents to recognize developmental achievements, as well as address potential developmental delays in their children. Grounded in the principles of child development, this project focuses on creating age-appropriate activities that facilitate the identification of developmental milestones. By utilizing foundational resources in the field of child development, this toolkit of engaging activities has been curated to support parental understanding and observation. The primary objective of this applied knowledge project is to better equip parents with the vocabulary and tools to facilitate their child’s development. Throughout these activities, parents are encouraged to engage …

Honoring Neurodiversity As An Occupational Therapist, Haley Munson

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to discover if and how current occupational therapists use neurodiversity affirming practices through their work with clients that identify as neurodivergent. Neurodiversity refers to variations in cognitive functioning that are considered normal since no two brains function the same. Occupational Therapists (OTs) frequently work with clients that identify as neurodiverse, including with individuals with diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing disorder. This study uses a qualitative approach with a semi-structured interviews to gain insight into OT’s integration of ND affirming principles into practice. Learning how OT’s implement ND affirming practices will …

Viability Of Equine Assisted Activities And Therapies For Individuals With Developmental Disorders: A Systematic Review, Faith Pinson

Honors Theses

The objective of this review is to determine whether Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) are a viable form of therapy for people with various developmental disorders. A viable form of therapy is one that is more beneficial than traditional forms of therapy that already exist, as traditional therapies may be generally less expensive and have plentiful research to support their use). In order to be beneficial, EAAT would need to yield improved results when either compared side by side with traditional therapy or used as a complementary therapy with traditional therapy. In this systematic review, the included studies examined the …

Emotional Support Animals On Campus: Relevance, Benefits, And Controversies, Grace Campbell

Honors Theses

This research pertains to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) on university campuses. It explores the need for ESAs (specifically for college students), differentiates between types of support animals, and discusses benefits and controversies that come along with ESAs on campus. Following this, it sets up a research study that can be used at Western Michigan University relating to student experience with ESA utilization and approval. The study, if performed, would give insight to student experiences, and help the University in supporting the maximum number of students. Emotional support animals have many benefits for college students, including but not limited to, a …

The Effects Of Exercise On Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Addison Bates

Honors Theses

Exercise is essential for a healthy life and many people are unable to participate due to barriers. One population that seems to be extremely impacted by these barriers are persons with disabilities. People with disabilities are more likely to become obese and suffer from serious, chronic illnesses. There is a need for exercise programs catered to this population. There is a lack of exercise programs focused on people with disabilities, so through this research we are interested to see the impact of a 12-week exercise program and what results might occur from this lifestyle change. With the 12-week virtual program …

Creation Of Preschool Evaluation For Children Experiencing Sensory Processing Disorders, Mary Vestal

Honors Theses

For our thesis project, we partnered with Dr. Michelle Suarez, the co-director of the Resiliency Center at Western Michigan University. When we first met with her, she informed us about the high rates of expulsion for Kalamazoo preschool students with various regulation challenges relating to sensory processing disorders, regulation, autism, and trauma. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preschool students are expelled at three times the rate of children in K-12 (2022). Additionally, according to the Equal Justice Society, 250 preschool children get suspended or expelled each day nationwide (2021). The article continues to …

Creation Of Preschool Evaluation For Children Experiencing Sensory Processing Disorders, Brittney Tuck

Honors Theses

For our thesis project, we partnered with Dr. Michelle Suarez, the co-director of the Resiliency Center at Western Michigan University. When we first met with her, she informed us about the high rates of expulsion for Kalamazoo preschool students with various regulation challenges relating to sensory processing disorders, regulation, autism, and trauma. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preschool students are expelled at three times the rate of children in K-12 (2022). Additionally, according to the Equal Justice Society, 250 preschool children get suspended or expelled each day nationwide (2021). The article continues to …

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.

Asecret Charting And Sensory Processing Disorder - A Tool For Parents And Teachers, Taylor Lerman

Honors Theses

When considering the results of research from this study, the reader should note this specifically applies to elementary school aged students but could be applicable outside of this study for the purpose of added ages. The cumulative ASECRET charts do not explicitly apply to that of a typical child and added disabilities to consider are discussed within the discussion section of research. Conditions left unmentioned should not be considered inapplicable, but for the purpose of this research, discussion points focus on sensory processing and conditions with higher rates of comorbidity to sensory processing compared to others. The purpose of this …

Intensive, Interprofessional Therapy: A Case Approach, Emma C. Schrotenboer

Honors Theses

This research looks at the impacts of intensive, interprofessional therapy for children with disabilities. There is very little literature currently published on this topic, although what is available generally finds that more intense therapy is more beneficial. The child who was studied was a camper at Adam’s Camp therapy camp, a week-long program that involves six hours of therapy each day with therapists from five different fields. Her progress over the week, as well as her retention of skills several weeks later, were determined by pre- and post-camp surveys sent to the mother and the therapists’ notes from during the …

The Relationship Of Rehabilitation Therapy Clients And Grit: A Pilot Study, Kamilla Kisch

Honors Theses

Client experience is an important consideration in physical and occupational therapy (known as rehabilitation therapy.) The personality trait of grit has been studied in many different settings and populations and could have an impact on rehabilitation therapy clients’ perceptions and experiences. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between scores on Dr. Angela Duckworth’s Grit Scale (that identifies the presence and strength of grit) and perceptions of experiences by rehabilitation therapy clients. Seven males and twelve females (age: 56.78 ± 15.83) participated in this study. The Grit Scale was used to assess participants’ grit. Multiple-choice questions were …

The Impacts Of Occupational Therapy And Assistive Technology In The Lives Of Alzheimer's Patients, Hannah Wilson

Honors Theses

Occupational therapy and the assistive devices that are recommended provide an outlet to a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s as well as increases safety and independence in the individual. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects an individual’s memory, physical functioning, safety, and cognition. As the disease progresses, it decreases an individual’s level of independence in their environment and often calls for outside care to successfully complete the daily skills and activities needed to age successfully. The practitioners that work with individuals who have Alzheimer’s aim to improve the completion of activities of daily living …

Providing A Safe Space For Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Alexis Garcia

Honors Theses

Health care professionals are continuing to learn about childhood trauma and the implications on health and development. With time, there has become a better understanding of how to determine and provide the resources needed for families and children who have experienced childhood trauma. Additionally, information about childhood trauma is slowly being understood throughout public school districts. This allows teachers to better understand children and accommodate their needs. This honors thesis will discuss childhood trauma and the development of a resource that can be used to provide elementary school-aged students with a place to go when they need assistance with regulation. …

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Guide For Caregivers, Camryn Keane

Honors Theses

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects infants who have faced exposure to certain drugs in utero. The incidence of NAS is dramatically rising in the United States. This increase is primarily due to the growth in opioid prescribing to pregnant women. NAS has an immediate effect on four primary areas of occupation: activities of daily living (ADLs), sleep, social participation, and play. This paper aims to review the background of NAS, then describe how this condition impacts an infant’s occupational performance. Moreover, this paper identifies models of occupational therapy intervention that can guide the treatment of NAS. …

The Importance Of Cultural Humility In Occupational Therapy, Jessika Reberg

Honors Theses

The demographics of the US have changed over the years due to a rise in the number of immigrants in the United States. Despite the rise of immigrants, and the cultural diversity they bring, healthcare disparities remain in the United States for various culture groups. The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of how increased cultural humility can mitigate healthcare disparities. Health care disparities effect minority groups regarding access to care and quality of care. The development of cultural humility can help mitigate disparities because it promotes self-awareness, reflection, and engagement in an on-going learning process. Implicit …

Relationship Of Grip Strength And Quality Of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Melissa Van Omen

Honors Theses

Loss of muscle strength is one of the key features of aging. Quality of life is a factor that affects productive aging and loss of muscle strength. A literature review was completed to assess the possible relationship between grip strength and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, as measured through physical health in terms of independence with ADLs/IADLs, physical disability, and mobility. Articles were collected from various peer-reviewed, publish journals using the available databases of Western Michigan University libraries. Databases used include PubMed, Clinical Keys, the National Institute of Health (NIH), Springer Link, Scopus, BioMed Central, Wiley, and Oxford …

Exploring A Child’S History For Optimal Treatment Of Food Selectivity., Briana Lear

Honors Theses

Food selectivity is defined as “food refusal based on type, texture, temperature, or appearance of food, leading to a self-restricted diet” (Suarez, 2015). Food selectivity affects children of all ages. Food selectivity refers to when a child is eating as few as 5-10 different foods and demonstrates food refusal behaviors, which can make mealtime a challenge for children and their families (Suarez, 2015). Occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living (ADLS), therefore feeding, including food selectivity is included within the OT scope of practice. There is a need to create a comprehensive and thorough document to collect a client’s history …

Exploring A Connection Between Learning And Student Perception Of Place, Katelyn Roberts

Honors Theses

The quality of the physical environment is understood to impact overall health, wellbeing, and capacity to learn and engage in daily life. This pilot study explores how students in the Speech Language and Hearing Sciences program at Western Michigan University view the effects of indoor and outdoor nature spaces at the College of Health and Human Services on the East Campus of Western Michigan University on their learning experience. Results of the study suggest that there are significant relationships between the participant’s perception of interesting qualities in the College of Health and Human Services and feeling a sense of connection …

The Use Of Nature As A Treatment Modality In Occupational Therapy, Lauren Koch

Honors Theses

Nature is inherently therapeutic. Applying the principles of occupational therapy within the natural environment integrates the physical, mental, and socio-emotional health benefits afforded by nature into therapeutic intervention practices. The nature centered context of the outdoors addresses performance skills and patterns, highlighting its use as a therapeutic modality. As such, nature may be used as an effective treatment modality in the practice of occupational therapy due to the benefits that it affords. The incorporation of nature into therapeutic intervention may be based upon the environmental factors, available resources, and function of the natural environment. The goal of this literature review …

An Analysis Of The Developmental Enrichment Of The Seattle Children's Playgarden, Caitlin Koob

Honors Theses

This paper analyzes the opportunities for developmental enrichment, as provided by the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, from the perspective of occupational therapy. The PlayGarden, located in Seattle, Washington, is an inclusive playground, preschool, and summer camp that promotes inclusion of children with disabilities. The analysis highlights each area of occupation, as identified in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, and discusses the garden’s contribution to facilitate growth in those specific skills (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2014). The intentionality of the design and program structure advocates for children to maximize their independence in activities of daily living, despite the play-based approach. …

Internet Based Interventions For Improving Mental Health On College Campuses: A Scoping Review Of Ibis, Caceti Dobrowolski

Honors Theses

BACKGROUND Over the past decade, Internet Based Interventions (IBI) have emerged as a possible mental health approach, reported to reduce cost and provide access to needed services. There is a dearth of literature that clearly defines the scope and components of IBIs and its efficacy. Moreover, little is known about the efficacy of IBI for college students, a population that reportedly underutilizes mental health services.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the efficacy of IBI as a mental health intervention for college students.

METHODS Three databases were used to initially identify 400 studies and through the …

Facilitating Emotional Regulation In Adults With Developmental Disabilities Through Person-Centered Play Therapy, Otis Kemutambah

Honors Theses

Adults with developmental disabilities may employ maladaptive behaviors that stem from limited opportunities to interact with their community and non-nurturing interactions within their environment. This literature review explores the effects of play on maladaptive behaviors and provides a rationale that supports the use of PCPT to improve this population’s emotional regulation skills. More specifically, the sources indicate that activities containing exercise and games, improves the emotional regulation skills of this population. Based on the presented information, created cost effective activities will potentially improve these skills amongst adults with developmental disabilities. These activities that adhere to PCPT are basketball, water basketball, …

Exploring Occupational Therapists' Approach To Treating Children With Autism In The School Setting, Melissa Brauner

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans. In order to ensure that the autism population receives the highest quality of care, it is extremely important that health professionals be equipped with the knowledge to care for individuals with the disorder in an effective manner. Occupational therapists play an important role in assisting people on the autism spectrum. For many children with autism, occupational therapy services are primarily received in the school setting. This study explores occupational therapists’ approach to managing the treatment of children on the autism spectrum in the …

The Outlook Of Occupational Therapy, Alexa Spinks

Honors Theses

There is a strong demand for occupational therapists as well as a great job outlook. but there seems to be a lack of knowledge about occupational therapy among college students. The purpose of this thesis was to find out if more education about this growing field would lead to an increase in interest or consideration of the field of occupational therapy. College students (n=93) in Concepts of Wellness classes at Ouachita Baptist University were surveyed about their knowledge and perspective of occupational therapy before and after a brief presentation over information about occupational therapy was provided. There was a significant …

Impact Of Men's Shed On Social Participation And Health Outcomes, Joshua Grimmer

Honors Theses

This paper will explore the concept of a community-based organization, known as a Men’s Shed. The purpose of the research is to determine the positive impacts the North Belfast Men’s Shed has on social participation and overall health outcomes. The key factors observed in this study were the safe environment, camaraderie, social acceptance, and variety of activities the shed offers. The study included a sample of 11 men primarily over the age of 60. At the time of the study, all of the men were retired or unemployed and came from diverse occupational backgrounds. A set of semi-structure questions was …

Linking Key Factors Of Quality Dementia Care: Knowledge And Self-Efficacy, Sophie E. Miller

Honors Theses

Dementia-related changes in cognition, memory, and personality can have wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families, and healthcare systems (Plassman et al., 2007); including caregiver burnout, disruption of family life, and costly care requirements (Graneheim, Johansson, & Lindgren, 2014). Dementia has become a global issue; 46 million people worldwide have dementia and $600 billion are spent on dementia-related care every year (Farina al., 2016). Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) generally assume the majority of day-to-day care and are a vital component of providing quality, person-centered services to patients with dementia in residential care (Burke & Orlowski, 2015). The purpose of this study was …

Camping For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Emily Scannell

Honors Theses

Children with cerebral palsy and their families may have needs that make camping difficult or seemingly inaccessible. Through an explanation of the research backing the benefits of camping, this paper makes it clear that camping is a worthwhile activity that can be optimized through modifications. Understanding cerebral palsy and the steps of basic camping activities, it is possible to create modifications to increase family and child wellness while camping. Through a hypothetical case study, a specific look can be had at the ways to prepare for an optimal camping experience- from adapted equipment, to modified preparatory strategies. Through a review …

Therapeutic Benefits Of Certified Canines For Veterans With War-Related Trauma Disorders, Smith Lauren

Honors Theses

Veterans and their service dogs share a special relationship that is not only a friendship but a working relationship as well. They each give each other something that they cannot get on their own. The purpose of this thesis is to determine the relationship between veterans and their service dogs and the emotional and physical support provided. A review of the literature, combined with systematic interviews of combat veterans led to an initial understanding of the relationship between a veteran and a service dog and the benefits and risks associated with this special connection.

Therapeutic Benefits Of Certified Canines For Veterans With War-Related Trauma Disorders, Erin Caspers

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study Of Mikey, Gabrielle Lober

Honors Theses

This paper describes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including diagnostic criteria, suspected causes, prevalence, comorbidities, and influences on client factors. A hypothetical case study is presented to give readers an illustration of what someone with ASD might look like. Possible treatment based on evidence and selected frame of references will be given for the hypothetical client. This paper is not all inclusive of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but gives an illustrative example.