Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Community-Based Sensory Kits To Support Regulation And Participation In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Kaela Surrett

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK) in Lexington, KY. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education and program development. The purpose of this project was to identify sensory support needs within DSACK programming, develop age-based sensory kits, and create educational materials for staff and caregivers to support participation and self-regulation during activities. A needs assessment was completed through direct observations, parent surveys, collaboration with staff, and a review of current literature. Findings showed challenges related to attention, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity during both structured and unstructured activities. These barriers impacted …

Supporting Participation Through Sensory Inclusion, Karla Bonilla, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on promoting sensory-inclusive environments to support play and social participation among autistic children. The project was conducted in partnership with Straight From The Heart, a foster care organization in San Diego County. A community profile, literature review, and needs assessment were completed using caregiver and social worker surveys and semi-structured interviews with community organization professionals to identify environmental barriers, caregiver education needs, and resource priorities. The findings informed the development of sensory-inclusive educational resources and educational workshop. Stakeholder feedback was used to refine the resources and evaluate their perceived relevance and usefulness. The project highlights the …

Enhancing Accessibility And Inclusivity In The Performing Arts With Occupational Therapy Frameworks, Carmela Clarice Tabora Clave

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In live theater performances, there are numerous sensory demands, including unpredictable noises, lighting, crowd movement, vocalization, and transitions in and out of the theater. Teachers, support staff, and chaperones who attend these performances may face barriers in supporting their children in unfamiliar environments, and community volunteers who have never assisted during these shows may not know how to support children who need it if they have not had prior exposure to children with diverse needs. This capstone project provides families, teachers, and volunteers with pre-visit resource guides with occupational therapy perspectives on sensory processing for student matinees and sensory-inclusive performances …

More Than Mealtimes: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Pediatric Feeding For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Anika J. Peters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Feeding is a foundational occupation essential for growth, development, and family participation. However, children with developmental disabilities often experience significant feeding challenges that impact nutrition and participation in mealtime routines. This capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in pediatric feeding assessment and intervention within an outpatient setting. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, outcomes were evaluated for pediatric clients (N=18) and occupational therapists (N=15) through goal attainment tracking, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), clinician needs assessment data, and resource feedback. Results demonstrated improvements in food acceptance, texture tolerance, oral-motor skills, and engagement in mealtime participation. COPM scores reflected …

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care Into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Kylie H. Rodig

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examined how trauma-informed care (TIC) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) can be integrated into pediatric occupational therapy to better support children impacted by trauma. The project was guided by the question of how structured trauma-informed strategies, clinical tools, and caregiver education influence therapist understanding and application in practice.

A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating TIC- and TBRI-informed interventions during pediatric treatment sessions, trauma-informed evaluations, and ongoing reflective practice. Data were gathered through pre- and post-surveys, informal staff feedback, and reflective logs to capture changes in knowledge, confidence, and clinical application over time.

Results showed clear improvements in …

Creating A Sensory-Inclusive School Environment For Children, Kendall L. Keeton, Cassandra Nelson, Justine Faghihifar

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed-methods program development capstone project aimed to assess whether structured sensory supports improve academic engagement and student behavior in the school setting. A sensory pathway, calm corner, and sensory toolkit were designed, implemented, and evaluated within an elementary school. A digital manual was also created to facilitate staff education and long-term sustainability of the program. Findings from pre- and post-surveys and observation suggest potential improvements in academic engagement, student behavior, and staff knowledge following program implementation.

Flip For Function: Professional Development And Family Education Resources, Hayley E. Fuller

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Flip for Function, a therapeutic gymnastics program that promotes confidence, inclusion, and participation through adaptive athletics and child-led occupational therapy. The purpose of this project was to develop professional development and family education resources to enhance caregiver understanding, staff consistency, and community outreach. To address identified needs, a comprehensive parent- and school-friendly guidebook was created, including diagnosis-specific information (ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, and sensory processing differences), explanations of how movement supports regulation and development, and strategies to support skill carryover into home and school environments. Additional deliverables included diagnosis-based handouts, activity …

Development Of A Cvi Early Learning Kit For Clients Of Blind Early Services Tennessee, Emma Ruggles

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST), a nonprofit organization focused on providing early intervention services for children with visual impairments. BEST currently supports more than 300 families throughout Tennessee, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach that includes Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialists, Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Developmental Therapists (DTs). This project focused on developing kits that offered educational resources for families while also providing materials designed to support early learning in children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Deliverables included a sensory processing guide with activity ideas, QR …

Groove ‘N’ Grow: Promoting Social Participation Through Dance And Movement, Juliana N. Ward, Karen Park

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Groove ‘n’ Grow is a structured pediatric occupational therapy group program designed to improve social participation, engagement, and sensory regulation in children with developmental and sensory processing differences through dance and movement-based activities. The program was developed as part of an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project and implemented within a pediatric outpatient therapy clinic. The purpose of the program is to provide children with developmental and sensory processing differences opportunities to practice peer engagement, cooperative participation, emotional regulation, and emotional awareness in a supportive small-group environment.

Classroom Sensory Kits: Enhancing Student Engagement And Regulation, Rachel Topp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) in Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas were program development and education. The purpose of this project was to promote inclusive learning environments for students with diverse sensory needs by increasing access to sensory tools and strategies. A needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the school-based occupational therapist (OT) identified gaps in sensory tools to support students, as well as a need for increased school staff education on sensory processing and classroom sensory strategies. To address these needs, five classroom sensory kits were developed and distributed to one preschool …

School-Based Sensory Room Education Program: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Makenzie Stiles, Bonnie Fischer-Camara, Tracie Ostrander, Elizabeth Young, Sophia Theodorou, Jacie Schneider

Occupational Therapy Student Scholarship

Sensory rooms are commonly used within school settings to support students' self-regulation, behavior, and participation in educational activities. However, evidence suggests that special education teachers and teacher aides often receive limited training on the appropriate use of sensory rooms, including identifying students who may benefit and selecting activities based on individual sensory needs. The purpose of this mixed-methods, pre-experimental capstone project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a school-based sensory room education program for special education teachers and teacher aides at Deposit Central School District. Guided by Ayres Sensory Integration® and Adult Learning Theory, the project included a needs assessment, …

Sensory Friendly Summers: Designing Inclusive Camp Experiences For Children With Sensory Processing Challenges, Isandla Blanc

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Children with sensory processing challenges may experience barriers to participation in everyday activities. While summer camps offer opportunities for social development, play, and growth, staff may have limited training and resources to support children with different sensory needs. This can create challenges to participation and inclusion within traditional summer camp environments. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a staff training program aimed at increasing staff understanding of sensory processing and providing practical strategies to support campers with sensory processing challenges.

A project-level needs assessment was conducted through informal staff conversations, observations of daily camp …

Sensory Journey: Equipping Children’S Museum Staff To Support All Children, Denisa A. Felix

OT Doctoral Capstones

Museums ensure access to important opportunities for learning, exploration, and community participation; nevertheless, limited staff training and sensory-friendly resources may generate limitations for children and families with sensory processing needs. A needs assessment at La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, highlithed limited staff knowledge of sensory processing and sensory integration, lack of formal sensory-related protocols, and limited sensory accommodations. The purpose of this Capstone project was to improve museum staff and volunteer knowledge, awareness, confidence, and preparedness to support visitors with sensory processing needs and foster inclusive museum experiences. An evidence-based educational intervention was developed based on occupational …

Exploring Pediatric Sensory Processing Challenges: An Easily Accessible Online Resource For Families, Caitlyn Brockway

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with sensory processing challenges often experience difficulties participating in everyday activities while many families struggle to find trustworthy and evidence-based solutions. A needs assessment completed at Daisy Kids Care Pediatric Clinic identified the need for a free, accessible, educational resource to support families and caregivers. In response, Sunny Senses OT educational website was developed to provide evidence-based education, practical sensory strategies, and community resources to improve overall knowledge of sensory processing. The website was implemented with family and caregivers at the clinic and evaluated by using a pre- and post-survey that measured levels of knowledge. Results demonstrated an increase …

Bridging Sensory Processing And Community Integration For Adults With Idd: A Bilingual Approach, Stephanie J. Newman, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project included creation, implementation, and evaluation of an educational program. The program provided education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their respective caregivers. The educational materials included development and implementation of educational workshops of sensory processing strategies in the community, work, and social settings for adults with IDD and bilingual home programs created for caregiver education. The program was evaluated through pre- and post-surveys administered to caregivers to demonstrate changes in knowledge of sensory processing strategies, as well as client assessments administered to assess changes in client understanding of sensory strategies.

Educating Early Childhood Educators On Creating A Sensory Inclusive Classroom, Maryah Booker, Zeida Gutierrez, Maureen Fischer

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone paper focuses on educating early childhood educators on sensory processing, helping them understand its impact on their students’ classroom activities, and equipping them with sensory-based strategies to support children with sensory differences, allowing them to thrive in a classroom environment.

Cultivating Inclusion: A Multicultural Sensory Garden For Pediatric Occupational Therapy​, Carolyne Teixeira

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Helping Children Cope With Sensory Overstimulation At Theme Parks: An Educational Video Series For Parents, Ashley M. Garcia, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents of children with sensory processing challenges often feel overwhelmed and unprepared when visiting high-stimulation environments such as theme parks. Loud sounds, bright lights, crowded walkways, and unpredictable routines can contribute to sensory overload, creating distress for both children and caregivers. Although theme parks aim to provide joyful family experiences, they may not fully account for the needs of neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or sensory processing disorder. Parents of children with debilitating sensory issues are unsure and uncertain on how to prepare to assist their child to cope with the overwhelming sensory stimuli at …

A Sensory Group Program For General And Special Education Elementary Students, Kamryn J. Olness

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this 14-week capstone was to develop and implement a sensory group program for general and special education students within an elementary school. It aimed to explore the impact related to meeting sensory needs within the classroom. The program followed a weekly theme centered on each of the eight sensory systems to increase knowledge and self-regulation skills about various sensory inputs. A total of around 80 students participated in the sensory group program, including both general and special education students. A pre- and post-program survey was administered to determine the frequency of sensory needs demonstrated by the students …

Making A Splash: Exploring The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Avery Brockberg

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Approximately 90% of children with ASD experience atypical sensory processing which can lead to increased difficulties in daily occupations including play, academic activities, feeding, self-care, and sleep. Aquatic therapy (AT) is an effective intervention that has a role in addressing social, emotional, physical, and sensory needs in children with ASD. There is limited research on the role of occupational therapy in providing AT for children with ASD. The purpose of this capstone was to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic occupational …

Integrating Sensory Processing And Self- Regulation Strategies In Daily Teaching Practices, Alana D. Foster, Angela L. Blackwell

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addressed the critical need for early childhood educators to improve their understanding and application of sensory processing and self-regulation strategies within the classroom setting. The project was implemented at an early learning center and aimed to enhance educators’ ability to support student participation and occupational performance through a structured coaching framework. Guided by Dunn’s Sensory Processing Framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the intervention included five individualized coaching sessions and the development of two key capstone products: a sensory processing coaching framework and a sensory processing toolkit and activity binder. The coaching framework incorporated observational tools, quick …

Air Travel Experiences Of Families With Autistic Children, Tiffany Pham, Karen Park

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed-methods research design aimed to understand families' experiences traveling by plane with autistic children to identify supports, needs, challenges, and barriers that influence participation and well-being. Although air travel offers significant benefits for families and their children, including promoting personal growth, strengthening communication and bonding, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life and life satisfaction across many domains, families with autistic children face significant challenges due to sensory and environmental barriers that make the experience stressful and unpredictable. Findings highlight a need for autism-informed policies, training among airport and airline staff, sensory-friendly spaces, and extended support to …

A Program To Empower Neurodivergent Individuals And Their Caregivers To Advocate For Individualized Sensory Needs And Prepare For Medical Appointments, Eden Singh, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Valerie Schlieder

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodivergent individuals frequently experience sensory processing challenges that can limit participation in healthcare. This project aimed to develop a program that equips neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers with the tools to understand sensory processing, advocate for individualized needs, and effectively prepare for medical appointments. Guided by occupational therapy theory and frameworks, the program includes caregiver education, interactive activities, and accessible resources focused on sensory regulation and advocacy. This project emphasizes the role of occupational therapy in promoting equitable and person-centered healthcare experiences.

Sensory Processing And Sleep In Infants And Toddlers In Health Provider Shortage Areas - A Cohort Study, Bryan M. Gee, Nicki L. Aubuchon-Endsley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study delves into the interplay between sleep quality and sensory processing in infants and toddlers in underserved rural areas in the U.S. Despite established links between these variables in typically developing children, limited research explores this relationship in communities facing elevated rates of mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

Methods: We aimed to examine the connections between sensory processing at 10, 14, and 18 months postpartum and sleep quality at 18 months in a rural and medically underserved setting. A total of 44-53 participants completed the questionnaire and survey measures at the specified time points.

Results: Utilizing the Infant …

Management Of Sensory Processing Differences To Support Children’S Participation In Church, Sarah Allen

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville (FPCN), with the shared objective of fostering a more inclusive and sensory-friendly environment within its Children’s Ministry. In alignment with FPCN’s mission to nurture young disciples through holistic, age-appropriate faith formation, this project addressed the growing need to accommodate children’s diverse sensory needs. Key outcomes included improved staff confidence as measured through pre- and post-training surveys, the creation of a resource binder on sensory processing, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and concrete changes to curriculum structure and classroom environments to better support …

Sensory Processing And Intervention In The Pediatric Setting: Resources For Implementing Sensory Strategies In The Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Community, And Among Different Diagnoses, Sophia Evatt

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Sensory Integration is such an important concept as sensory processing underlies all independent functioning (Miller et al., 2017), and it is particularly important for pediatric occupational therapists as sensory processing differences are especially common in pediatric populations (Ahn et al., 2004; Leekam et al., 2007).

The purpose of this capstone project is to facilitate occupational therapy clinician competence and confidence in implementing sensory strategies and techniques within an outpatient pediatric clinic that provides in-clinic and community-based services. Project goals include the creation of educational materials in order to improve confidence and to facilitate creativity when incorporating sensory strategies into treatment …

Development Of A Sensory-Based Intervention Manual For Educators, Bralie Dent, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on the development of an educational manual on sensory processing disorder (SPD) for educators. The manual was created as a resource to enhance teachers' understanding of SPD and confidence in implementing sensory-based interventions and accommodations in the classroom for students who have sensory processing difficulties.

Sensory's Role In The General Education Classroom, Grace Sievert

OT Student Capstones

Background. Sensory processing significantly impacts students’ ability to learn successfully in educational environments (Little et al., 2017). Classroom sensory strategies have been shown as an effective method to regulate student’s sensory systems, promoting academic success through improved participation and attention (Dean et al., 2018). Academic faculty are the ideal candidates to provide sensory strategies to the general student population, yet these roles typically lack sensory education (Budd & Rehling, 2014). Occupational therapists are in a prime position to provide academic faculty with sensory education due to their expertise in sensory processing, their responsibility to provide professional development to educators, and …

Play, Splash, Ride: A Multidimensional Approach To Occupational Therapy Intervention For Sensory Processing Difficulties, Britney A. Bradwisch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory processing disorder affects between five and 16.5 percent of the population and up to 90% of individuals with disabilities. Occupational therapists are equipped to treat sensory processing difficulties using occupation-based, sensory-based, and client-centered interventions. There is limited evidence on how occupational therapists can use multiple intervention environments including typical sensory gyms, aquatic therapy, and equine-assisted therapy to specifically target sensory processing. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to explore the effectiveness of multiple occupational therapy interventions for children with sensory processing difficulties. The capstone project focused on advanced clinical practice while incorporating education and program development to …

S.M.A.R.T. Program Implementation To Promote Engagement And Participation In A School Setting, Emily Mickelson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project is to educate educational professionals on multi-sensory approaches and to implement the Stimulating Maturity Through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) program to increase students’ engagement in academic learning. This project used pre- and post-tests to determine baseline knowledge. The occupational therapy student participated in S.M.A.R.T. training, and the junior kindergarten students participated in eight-weeks of S.M.A.R.T. program implementation. The students’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the students one-week pre-intervention and following eight weeks of program implementation. The educational professionals’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the kindergarten teachers before and after receiving …