Date of Award
5-2023
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Project Chairperson
Renee Watling
Second Advisor
Maggie Hayes
Keywords
strength-based interventions, neurodiversity, transition-age youth, adolescents
Abstract
In collaboration with Seattle Therapy Network, an outpatient pediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic, a critical appraisal of the literature was conducted to answer the following question: How can occupational therapists provide strength-based interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism and/or ADHD that support progression toward personally meaningful outcomes? Nineteen articles were critically appraised and were found to support using such interventions to promote meaningful outcomes in seven occupational areas. It is recommended that occupational therapy practitioners utilize strength-based, identity-affirming approaches that leverage client interests and abilities when working with neurodiverse youth in order to facilitate progress toward meaningful goals.
The knowledge translation activity consisted of a 30-minute presentation at the collaborating facility that summarized the evidence and discussed relevant implications to their practice. Impact was monitored by administration of pre- and post-meeting surveys to 11 attendees. Survey results indicate that the presentation increased attendees’ knowledge of strength-based interventions and that the practitioners are eager for additional information and resources. Practical resources for implementation of strength-based interventions for neurodiverse adolescents and young adults are still emerging and would benefit from continued investigation.
Creative Commons License
Recommended Citation
Howard, Ellen and Connell, Christina, "Strength-based Occupational Therapy Interventions for Neurodiverse Adolescents and Young Adults" (2023). Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects. 11.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ot_evidenceprojects/11