Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Exercise Interventions For Relieving Anxiety Symptoms For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Kathryn Riis

College of Health Sciences Posters

Background: Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The focus of interventional therapies tends to be activities which improve gross motor function, communication, social interactions, and other behavioral skills. Certain forms of exercise have been successful in lowering anxiety levels while improving physical function.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of exercise as an intervention to reduce anxiety in people with ASD.

Methods: Two databases, PubMed and Medline, were searched utilizing key terms. This yielded 35 articles for review. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 9 …

Impacting Students: Students With Disabilities Participating In A Theater Occupation-Based Program, Markii D. Landry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Acting Creates Therapeutic Success (ACTS Jr.) is a program that uses theater and drama activities to address a variety of skills. Theater advantageously offers a variety of activities that suit the individual (costume and prop making, set design, screenplay writing, etc.), many that fall under the scope of occupational therapy, and is executed well as a form of group therapy given its innate camaraderie of actors and production members working together to form a final cohesive product (Phillips, 1996). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how theater can be used as a meaningful activity for students with disabilities …