Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Engaging Caregivers In Family-Centered Pediatric Occupation Therapy, Sidney Carlson, Sarah Schwartz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose Family-centered care is considered the gold standard when working with children and their families (Darrah, Wiart, Magill-Evans, Ray, & Andersen, 2010). Despite there being a strong push toward family-centered care, there remains a disconnect in outpatient pediatric settings when working with children ages 3-18. The purpose of this scholarly project is to raise awareness of the need for caregiver engagement in pediatric, outpatient occupational therapy and identify best practice principles for caregiver engagement.

Methods An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand caregiver engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. The information obtained from the literature review was analyzed …

Life Skills Program For Youth Who Have Experienced Homelessness, Michael Black, Ariel Campbell

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: According to the United States Department of Education (2017), for the 2016-2017 school year, there was an estimated 1,924 students enrolled in public schools in Wyoming experiencing homelessness, with an estimated 295 of these students unaccompanied by a family member or guardian. Homeless youth comprise one of the most vulnerable and medically underserved populations in the United States (Ammerman et al., 2004) and are also substantially more likely to have mental health concerns as a result of their past traumatic experiences (Davies & Allen, 2017). Homeless youth typically develop identities and habits that enable them to negotiate and survive …

Occupational Deprivation In Adolescents From Low-Income And Food Insecure Homes: A Screening Tool And After School Program, Claire Eidenschink

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adolescents who experience food insecurity are exposed to an increased risk of health disparities related to cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functioning (Cook & Frank, 2007). Each of these domains of functioning impacts occupational performance in all roles that an adolescent assumes. Of note, the role of a student is drastically impacted. Therefore, a program to address strategies for meeting basic needs within a familiar setting, such as a school, is relevant and necessary for this population. Such a program would offer an opportunity to close the gap in disparities and increase health outcomes of adolescents who experience food insecurity as …

A Vocational Training Program For High School Students With Disabilities On An Alternative Track To Graduation, Natalie Jennings, Michael Lehnerz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017), in 2016 the employment rate for persons with a disability was 17.9 percent compared to 65.3 percent for persons without a disability. The discrepancy between the employment rates can partially be contributed to a lack of high school readiness preparation as evidenced by Evert Cimera, Gonda, and Vaschak (2015) who found that the referral rates of transition-aged youth decreased from 62.3 percent in 2004 to 50.0 percent to 2013.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to minimize the gap during the transition from high school to vocational …

The S.P.I.R.I.T. Program: Spirituality Promotion Interdependence Resiliency Inclusive Therapy, Alycia Heisler, Brianna Safranski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Native American children and adolescents are some of the most underserved people in the United States (Warzak, Dogan, & Godfrey, 2011). Common mental health problems this population typically experiences are depression, suicidal thoughts or ideation, traumatic experiences, substance use, and results of historical trauma (Brockie, Dana-Sarco, Wallen, Wilcox, & Campbell, 2015). They have the highest rates of these mental health problems, more than any other ethnic group (Evans-Campbell, Walters, Pearson, & Campbell, 2012). There is a need for preventative programs to be implemented with elementary school-aged Native American children and adolescents (Ohl, Mitchell, Cassidy, & Fox, 2008; Stigler, …

Occupational Therapy Practice Trends For Occupations Impacted By Puberty In Children With Asd, Sydney Larson, Kelsey Hemberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Adolescents face physical, social, cognitive, and emotional changes during the developmental stage of puberty. Pubertal changes can be difficult for neurotypical adolescents to cope with, but especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, adolescents with ASD experience challenges with adapting to physical and emotional changes, managing new hygiene routines, abiding to social norms, and inappropriate sexual behaviors (Beddows & Brooks, 2016; Cridland, Caputi, Jones, & Magee, 2015; Cridland, Jones, Caputi, & Magee, 2014). While occupational therapy plays a role in helping adolescents with ASD, a lack of occupational therapy literature on this topic leads to unknown …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of A School-Based Suicide Prevention Program With A Peer-Mentorship Emphasis, Maddie Bjornstad, Karyssa Kimery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents today (Pisani et al., 2012; Katz et al., 2013). Zalsman et al. (2016), reported the recognition of suicide prevention as a public health priority has helped to encourage research, detection, treatment, and management of individuals at risk for suicide, however the implementation of proven, evidence-based, and cost-effective strategies are the duty of public health policy makers and healthcare providers. Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals determine what occupations are meaningful and completed in order to feel a sense of self-efficacy, therefore occupational therapy can play a critical role …

Promoting Successful Community Re-Integration For Incarcerated Juveniles: The Role Of Occupational Therapy To Enhance Quality Of Life, Madison Gerszewski, Bailey Odegaard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present a manual for occupational therapists working with juvenile delinquents in their transition into the community following incarceration. The intended outcome of the project is for juvenile delinquents to be independent, successful members of the community.

A literature review pertaining to juvenile delinquents was conducted and addressed recidivism, risk factors, and unmet needs. At this time, there are no practice guidelines in the United States that capture occupational therapy’s scope of practice when working with adolescents who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

A manual was developed in order to …

The Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Students With Mental Illness Transitioning To Higher Education: A Systematic Review, Brittany Davis, Leah Sherman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Objective: To examine the available evidence for interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for students with mental illness during the transition process to postsecondary education. Method: This systematic review yielded seven articles including two systematic reviews, three one group pretest/posttest design, one naturalistic pre/posttest design, and one scoping review related to the transition process to post secondary education.

Results: Occupation-based interventions emphasized the occupation of education instead of focusing on co-occurring occupations a student may frequently participate in when enrolled in postsecondary education. Programs emphasized environmental approaches including using the students' past experiences, building self-advocacy skills, accessing supportive education …

Postsecondary Transition Services For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Luke Van Havermaet, Lynn Bielski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder comprise a rapidly growing population with approximately 1168 children being diagnosed annually (CDC, 2016). Individuals with ASD often have difficulties with social interaction, sensory processing, emotional regulation and adapting to environmental changes (Rogers, 2010). Individuals who are diagnosed early in life are provided a wide variety of services to minimize these symptoms to maximize independence later in life, and in an academic setting. As individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder come to the end of their K-12 education journey, the transition planning completed throughout the student's final year of high school are not carried out …

Open Access Continuing Education Occupational Therapy Resources For Rural Communities, Amber L. Daly, Emily E. Germolus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists working in rural areas face a number of barriers when trying to access continuing education courses, which are required to maintain licensure. Some of the largest barriers these practitioners face include: time, cost of the courses, and ease of access. Continuing education often requires travelling, time out of one’s day, and a fee ranging from $25-$300 (North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association [NDOTA], 2016; Continuing education, 2013). The purpose of this scholarly project is to address continuing education requirement-related needs and education access for occupational therapists working in rural areas. Following the completion of a comprehensive literature review and …

The Occupation Of Driving: A Guide For Occupational Therapists Working With Adolescents Who Have Adhd, Molly Schmitz, Morgan Voss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Driving is a rite of passage for all teens with or without a disability. Individuals with ADHD are at a far greater risk of being in an accident or receiving a traffic violation as a compared to their developmental counterparts. In addition, parents and practitioners are often unaware of an individual’s readiness to drive skills prior to receiving formal driver’s education. Thus, this can be a stressful transition or learning process with individuals with ADHD and their families. For parents, practitioners, and teens, it is important that they understand the resources available to them and the steps to access those …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Adhd: A Systematic Review, Kamela L. Kelsch, Kaci L. Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: ADHD can have a negative impact on occupational performance of a child, interfering with ADLs, IADLs, education, leisure, and play. However, at this time, a cumulative review of evidence based occupational therapy interventions for children with ADHD do not exist.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to complete a systematic review of what occupational therapy interventions are effective for school-aged children with ADHD.

Methods: An extensive systematic review for level T, II, or II research articles was completed using CINAHL and OT Search. Inclusion, exclusion, subject terms, and words or phrases were determined with assistance from the …

Social Participation: An Occupational Therapy Guide To Intervention For Youth With Depressive Disorders, Alexandra L. Marvel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to present an intervention guide for occupational therapists working with children and adolescents diagnosed with or experiencing depressive disorders. This guide will focus on the occupation of social participation.

Methods: An extensive literature review of evidence-based journal articles addressed the definition of depressive disorders in both adults and children and adolescents, the impact symptoms have on occupations and daily functioning, current treatment approaches, and the role of occupational therapy.

Results: The product of this scholarly project is an occupational therapy intervention guide to promote social participation for children and adolescents diagnosed with …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists' Approaches And Interventions For School-Aged Children And Adolescents With Anxiety, Meg O'Brien, Emily Terhaar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the realm of occupational therapy there is not a clear or cohesive evidencebased approach that OT's use to guide intervention planning with school-aged children or adolescent who have anxiety or anxiety secondary to another medical condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of 6 pediatric occupational therapists in an outpatient setting in developing and implementing interventions for this population. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six interviews to understand the experience of the participants. Findings suggest that occupational therapists who participated in this study feel that they have skills …

Fostering Self-Identity In Adolescents Who Experience Spinal Cord Injuries, Lauren Schneibel, Terese Boeder

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify a need and to guide occupational therapists during the treatment of adolescents who have acquired a spinal cord injury. During the adolescence stage, an individual begins to develop a sense of self and sense of direction, as well as formulate values which all contribute to personal identity formation (Erickson, 1968). The manual will guide the occupational therapist to address identity formation through use of the chosen assessments and interventions. It is believed that focusing on aspects of identity formation as experienced in the midst of a traumatic spinal cord injury will …

Reducing Recidivism For Youth Through An Integrated Residential And Community-Based Program, Alexandra Berdal, Megan Meyer, Nicolet Sadlowski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Reportedly, 95% of youth in the juvenile justice system have had prior involvement with the juvenile justice system, suggesting that intervention does not adequately address the needs of these youth (Sedlack & Bruce, 2010; OJJDP, 2003). The purpose of this project was to address the problem of recidivism with an emphasis on preparing for transition from residential placements to community engagement.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand the occupational performance deficits that youth in the juvenile justice system face in transitioning to their community. The information obtained from the literature review was then analyzed …

A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Occupational Therapy Mentors On Children From Disadvantaged Homes And The Implications For Future Success, Melinda Cervantes, Jennifer Prevett

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research into childhood development has shown that the impacts of a traumatic life event can have adverse effects on the development and future success of a child. Traumatic live events can be defined as any experience that varies from a typical pattern of childhood development, for example divorce, death of a parent, addiction concerns, domestic violence, or incarceration of a parent. Often a positive role model cannot be found in these children’s lives, keeping them from reaching success later in life. Researchers have studied the impact of a mentoring relationship on children from disadvantaged homes and have found the mentoring …

Occupational Therapy For Adolescents: A Nature-Based Interventions Approach, Amanda Cruze, Myrtyce Remus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PURPOSE: The first purpose of this scholarly project was to address current trends in relation to adolescents’ increased reliance on technology, decreased exposure to natural settings, and utilization of nature in adolescent occupational therapy care. The second purpose of the scholarly project was to provide occupational therapists with an interventions guide for nature-based activities to be used with the adolescent population.

METHOD: A literature review was conducted on adolescents, technology and nature using PubMed, CINAHL, AJOT, OT Search, MESH, Google Scholar, and textbooks.

RESULTS: A review of the literature indicated that the target population, Generation Z, had grown up with …

Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Program For Prevention Of Juveniles Entering The Criminal Justice System, Erin Sykora, René Warzecha

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of the product is to provide adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) who are in a youth juvenile detention center the opportunity to participate in group sessions that will increase their functional occupational performance and decrease behaviors associated with their disorder.

Methodology: An extensive literature review was completed in order to determine the need for services and the information to include within the product. The authors looked at websites related to programming already implemented in Juvenile Centers to gather an idea of how to organize the product. A review of Cole’s 7 Steps was done in …

Educating And Communicating Through Sociolinguistic Registers: Adolescent Client, Chanaé Jones, Brittany Mayer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PROBLEM: Currently tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing), as well as employment use what is identified as formal sociolinguistic register (Joos, 1967 & Payne, 2005). Payne (2005) built upon Joos’ (1967) definition and presented five registers: frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimates. Formal register is defined as; one-way participation, no interruption such as is seen with introductions between stangers. Technical vocabulary; “fuzzy semantics" or exact definitions are important. Montano-Harmon (1991) found that many minority and poor students do not have access to formal register at home but rather tend to rely primarily in …

An Occupational Therapy Community-Based Self-Esteem Program For Adolescents Who Have Experienced Burn Injuries, Karla Beck, Kathryn Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Self-esteem is a problem that adolescent burn survivors deal with on a daily basis. Yet, there is limited research regarding adolescent burns and the psychosocial aspect within their daily occupations. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop and provide occupational therapists with interventions and outcome measures to utilize in a Self-Esteem Program for implementation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This program focuses on helping adolescents to regain their self-esteem and confidence when returning back to their communities. Burns have an emotional and behavioral effect on children/adolescents, causing anxiety, pain, distorted self-image, and depression (Pardo, Garcia, Marrero, & …

Adolescents With Disabilities: The Development Of Life Skills Through Occupational Therapy, Diane Magnuson, Courtney Mohler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a workshop for occupational therapists (OTs) who work with adolescents as they transition from high school to adulthood focusing on life skill development.

Methodology: An Internet search was completed to determine the current role of OT in the transition process and the needs of adolescents as they transition to adulthood. Information was obtained from the following databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Resources included professional journals, scholarly text books, and government websites. The literature review also included information on the Ecology of …

An Afterschool Toolkit For Implementing Occupation-Based Activities, Kelsey Miller, Kayla Petersen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Each day in America, millions of kids go home to an empty house after school" (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, p.1). The Afterschool Alliance (2009) indicates that based on a 2009 survey of30,000 families, there are more children unsupervised each afternoon in the U.S. and the demand for afterschool programming is higher than ever. In the United States, 30% of middle school students and 4% of elementary aged children are responsible for taking care of themselves and only 15% currently participate in an afterschool program (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, pg. 4). Students are at particular risk during these hours, millions are unsupervised each …

Life Skills: An After School Program For Children With Down Syndrome, Allison Hendrickson, Kayla Korynta

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents of a child born with Down syndrome often have concerns about their child’s education, ability to live independently outside of the home, gain employment and have a means to support themselves, and their participation in social events within the community. Concerns also arise when parents are unsure about what professional will address these issues and help support their child in development. Occupational therapy is a unique discipline that offers a number of services to children with disabilities in the school system. These services begin at the age of 3 and continue until the child graduates or turns 21 and …

The Role Of The Occupational Therapist In Adolescent Substance Intervention, Cassandra Leach, Kori Le Blanc

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The current occupational therapy literature has limited information regarding the use of occupational therapy interventions for substance abuse specific to the adolescent population. Adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 years have increased their engagement in illicit drug use from 9.3% in 2008 to 10% in 2009 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). In regards to alcohol use, in 2009, approximately 10.4 million persons (27%) ages 12-20 years reported drinking alcohol within the last month (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). According to Martin, Bliven, and Boisvert, (2008) substance abuse addictions significantly impact the person’s …

A Cognitive Behavioral Approach To Occupational Therapy Hippothearpy [I.E.., Hippotherapy] For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Abby Heaton, Krista Tangen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents are increasingly being identified with mood disorders. A growing concern is that children and adolescents are not afforded a wide range of interventions to address the symptoms of mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as a useful treatment method for mood disorders. Hippotherapy has also been utilized in the treatment of mental illness. A literature review was conducted to explore the therapeutic benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and hippotherapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders. Although CBT has been recognized as useful, CBT methods applied to hippotherapy in occupational therapy does not …

An Occupational Therapy Guide For Improving Social Performance In Adolescents Within The Juvenile Justice System, Missy Law, Ashle Hicks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists believe social participation is an important aspect of adolescent development. Social participation problems can be linked to mental health diagnoses and delinquency. Adolescents who are court ordered into the juvenile justice system often do not receive the necessary treatment due to lack of resources within the community.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information regarding social participation aspects in relation to adolescent delinquency and placement within the juvenile justice system. The findings suggest there is more emphasis placed on punishment for adolescents rather than rehabilitation. Interventions used to support rehabilitation are primarily limited to counseling. A …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To A Wellness Program For Adolescents With Mental Illness, Holly Silewski, Christina Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to identify wellness needs of adolescents with mental illness (MI) and to provide a structured program that incorporates occupational activities into wellness programming within a mental health setting.

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, OT search, and CINAHL to determine the need for wellness programs for this population. Resources included journals, books, websites, government agencies, and government reports.

After an extensive literature review it was found that there are a limited number of wellness programs, as well as a need among adolescents with MI, as evidenced by increasing rates of …

Strategies For Healthcare Professionals In Dealing With Adolescents With Self-Harming Behaviors, Tera L. Remund, Andrea Keever

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.