Integrating Sensory Processing and Self- Regulation Strategies in Daily Teaching Practices

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 reference guides, and reflection surveys, while the toolkit provided practical sensory materials and classroom-specific activities organized by sensory category. Outcomes from this project suggest that when educators receive targeted support and hands-on resources, they are more equipped and confident in embedding sensory strategies into their daily routines. Despite challenges related to time constraints, varying levels of teacher engagement, and competing curricular demands, the project demonstrated the value of occupational therapy collaboration in early education. This capstone highlights important implications for OT practice and future research, including the need to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching models and toolkits, address implementation barriers, and further explore interdisciplinary approaches to enhancing sensory-supportive learning environments.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1030/thumbnail.jp

Occupational Therapy Assistant Preparatory Course to Improve Mock Certification Exam Scores: An Evidenced-Based Intervention

Abstract Introduction: The overall goal of educators of occupational therapy is to produce graduates capable of meeting entry-level employment status, which becomes evident when they pass the national certification exam. This evidence-based pilot project investigated an occupational therapy assistant certification exam preparatory course designed to improve mock certification test scores of graduates from an occupational therapy assistant program. Methods: The project was implemented as a pilot study in the fall of 2017 with six participants. The course was delivered using a face-to-face teaching model and designed based on the most recent evidence from the literature. The course content included several key areas of focus, such as a review of testing content, the development of individualized study plans, and completion of sample exam questions with instructions to use content knowledge to improve critical reasoning skills. Results: The results of the preparatory course were examined based on a comparison between participants’ mock certification pretest and posttest scores. Following the implementation of the project, five of the six participants had improved scores on the mock certification test. Discussion: Participants reported feeling less overwhelmed and more prepared by increased knowledge of the test’s contents following the review course. The course design used within this project can be used for future curriculum development

Assessing Social Media Experiences of Young Adults and its Impact on Mental Functions and Daily Routine Performances

This capstone project is a qualitative research study investigating the relationship between social media and the wellbeing of users.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1064/thumbnail.jp

Air Travel Experiences of Families with Autistic Children

This mixed-methods research design aimed to understand families\u27 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 improve the air travel experience and promote equitable and inclusive access for neurodiverse families.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1031/thumbnail.jp

Ready to Shine: A Framework for Coaching K-12 Educators to Support Diverse Learners

The Ready to Shine: A Framework for Coaching K-12 Educators to Support Diverse Learners is meant to guide occupational therapy practitioners in training and coaching educators to implement strategies to support students with social-emotional, behavioral, sensory, or other unique needs. Through this framework, practitioners will aim to equip educators with the confidence, self-efficacy, and competence to use tools and/or techniques that promote participation and performance among their students.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1021/thumbnail.jp

Physiotherapy in community-based rehabilitation in middle and low-income countries: A scoping review

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the three regions. Results: Key characteristics of PT interventions within CBR programs varied across regions. Asian LMICs emphasized a holistic approach and assistive technologies, African LMICs focused on lifestyle interventions and mHealth, while Latin American LMICs prioritized physical activity and culturally adapted interventions. Reported outcomes included improved physical functioning, quality of life, and participation in social activities. However, challenges such as limited resources, lack of trained personnel, and cultural barriers hindered effective implementation in all regions. Discussion: Despite regional variations, common themes emerged, including the need for context-specific interventions, integration of PT with other services for collaborative efforts to achieve desired outcomes, and investment in training and infrastructure. The findings highlight the potential of PT in CBR programs to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in LMICs, but also underscore the need for further cohesive collaborative efforts, research and investment to address existing challenges

Interprofessional Education Program for Parkinson\u27s Disease Care Considerations

Research suggests that having interprofessional education for disease-specific care can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. This program focused on providing a basic IPE program to rural hospital staff of various disciplines on the care considerations for individuals with Parkinson\u27s Disease when they are hospitalized. Using an occupational therapy vantage point, the program was created to address increasing occupational performance for healthcare workers and individuals with Parkinson\u27s Disease. Topics included in the program were motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, medication management, mobility and ADLs, cognition, mental health, sleep, dietary patterns, dysphagia, and voice.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1005/thumbnail.jp

Occupational Therapists’ Role in Incorporating Music Therapy Interventions for Preschoolers With Sensory Processing Disorder

The improvement of function in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the use of music interventions. Advocating for individuals who are on the spectrum and identify as autistic or neurodivergent is important, as autism spectrum disorder presents differently in each person. Music can be utilized in occupational therapy treatment plans to assist clients with sensory processing disorders. In occupational therapy, sound interventions are just one of the many creative interventions that can assist in keeping each session interesting while keeping each child engaged and displaying sensory challenges.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1058/thumbnail.jp

Increasing Access to Adequate Care for Low-Resource Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Exploring and understanding the barriers to accessing adequate neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families. Taking steps to decrease financial barriers, poor health literacy, and lack of available resources by developing a non-profit organization that will increase access to adequate care for these families. Participating in community outreach to raise awareness of and education about autism spectrum disorder in the local community of Corsicana, Texas on the needs of the autistic community.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1009/thumbnail.jp

An OT Program for Amputation Individuals and Their Caregiver

Amputation individuals and their caregivers currently lack sufficient education regarding residual limb management, limb positioning, mental health, and phantom limb pain. These gaps in health management skills ultimately result in relationship strains, technology abandonment, and decreased independence. The goal was to develop and implement an educational program for new amputation individuals and their caregivers targeting these topics. Six pairs successfully completed this four-week program, with each pair responding to pre and post surveys. Interventions included lower extremity positioning, prosthetic care management, residual limb management, mirror therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and tactile point discrimination. When comparing the pre and post survey scores, there was an average score increase for both amputation individuals and caregivers, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness. The program emphasizes the need for a universal program to help guide this targeted population through the amputation journey.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1001/thumbnail.jp