Date Presented 04/13/21 Informal caregivers are at risk for experiencing stress, anxiety, and other concerns that influence quality of life and that have a direct effect on the care recipient. Preliminary evidence suggests that Health Coaching in Context may help address the needs of mothers who are caring for a child with spinal cord injury. Using this client-centered and solution-focused approach, OTs develop a partnership that is connected by authenticity and trust through the use of skillful, constructive dialogue. Primary Author and Speaker: Bernadette Alpajora Additional Authors and Speakers: Rochelle Mendonca

Date Presented 03/29/20 We present on a research project that used telehealth to support parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to toilet train their children. Among n=15 children with ASD, results of the 12-week intervention showed significant gains in goal attainment scaling, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Toileting Behavior Questionnaire. Children with ASD benefit from an OT telehealth intervention to increase this essential adaptive behavior. Primary Author and Speaker: Lauren Little Additional Authors and Speakers: Anna Wallisch, Winnie Dunn, Scott Tomchek

Date Presented 04/05/19 While many studies focus on the impact of somatosensory changes on participation after stroke, they do not address the lived experience of all sensory systems (e.g., taste and smell). Researchers used a qualitative descriptive method using semistructured interviews to collect data. Results from this study could be utilized to inform healthcare providers about stroke survivors’ sensory needs and preferences to help them design interventions that match their needs. Primary Author and Speaker: Dua'a Alwawi Additional Authors and Speakers: Ashleigh Heldstab, Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn, Lisa Mische-Lawson

Date Presented 04/04/19 Disparities exist in the early identification of underserved children with ASD. Our study used a large university sample to examine subtypes of children with an eventual ASD diagnosis based on parent concerns and sociodemographics. Results suggest that children with speech parent concerns are most likely identified earlier, regardless of race, ethnicity, or SES. However, our findings point to the difficulty in identifying girls with ASD and children with social and behavior parent concerns. Primary Author and Speaker: Anna Wallisch Contributing Authors: Lauren Little, Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn

Date Presented 4/21/2018 In a sample from the general population, including typically developing children and those with conditions, sensory processing predicted social skills and problem behaviors. Different sensory processing patterns were associated with specific social skill and problem behavior domains. Primary Author and Speaker: Noor Ismael Additional Authors and Speakers: Lisa Mische Lawson, Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn

Date Presented 4/20/2018 This study explored the features of an online program that were effective for parents of children with autism without an intellectual disability. The findings offer preliminary support that e-learning helps parents understand strategies that are important to them because they can improve daily life. Primary Author and Speaker: Katie Alexander Additional Authors and Speakers: Winnie Dunn Contributing Authors: Melissa DeRosier, Debra Childress, Lauren Kenworthy, Laura Anthony, Lynn Cannon, Monica Adler Werner

Date Presented 4/21/2018 We report the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP-CSP2). The SP-CSP2 has good reliability. We matched participants with a sample that completed the English version of the form. Differences are discussed and can inform culturally competent practice and research. Primary Author and Speaker: Evan Dean Additional Authors and Speakers: Winnie Dunn

Date Presented 4/21/2018 Occupational therapy delivered via telehealth is an innovative service delivery model. Our study indicates telehealth was highly acceptable to families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Telehealth resulted in cost savings for both therapists and families compared with traditional service delivery models. Primary Author and Speaker: Anna Wallisch Additional Authors and Speakers: Ellen Pope, Lauren Little, Winnie Dunn

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the efficacy of Occupation-Based Coaching delivered via telehealth for families of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD. Participants were 18 families of children with ASD ages 2–6 yr. We used descriptive statistics to understand intervention characteristics and paired-sample t tests to examine changes in parent efficacy and child participation. RESULTS. Parents identified many areas of child adaptive behavior as intervention goals. Results showed that parent efficacy and various domains of child participation significantly increased postintervention (both ps < .05). Additionally, children showed significant gains in parent-identified goals. CONCLUSION. Occupation-Based Coaching delivered via telehealth appears to be an effective method of intervention to increase parent efficacy and child participation among families of children with ASD. Occupational therapists may consider how telehealth may be used to provide intervention to an increased number of families, in particular those in underserved areas.

Sensory processing is a personal trait that can contribute to challenging behavior. Protective factors, such as resiliency, can support children in managing their behavior, yet little research has addressed the contribution of sensory processing to protective factors. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study we aimed to determine the contribution of sensory processing (using the Sensory Profile–2) to challenging behavior and protective factors (using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd ed., Parent Rating Scales) in a sample of 51 children ages 6–11 yr from the general U.S. population. The results indicated that sensory avoiding predicts externalizing behaviors, depression, resiliency, and adaptability. In addition, sensory seeking is related to depression and resiliency, whereas sensory sensitivity is related to externalizing behaviors. Implications for occupational therapy research and practice are discussed.

Date Presented 3/30/2017 This session describes subtypes and profiles of children based on sensory processing patterns and developmental characteristics in a sample of toddlers under age 3 yr diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (N = 75). Implications for practice are discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Scott Tomchek Additional Authors and Speakers: Lauren Little, Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn

Date Presented 4/7/2016 This study is testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-wk coaching intervention for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) delivered via telehealth. Findings from this study will inform how occupational therapists may use telehealth to expand service delivery for families of children with ASD. Primary Author and Speaker: Lauren Little Additional Authors and Speakers: Winnie Dunn, Ellen Pope, Anna Wallisch

Date Presented 4/8/2016 The literature emphasizes sensory processing contributions to challenging behavior in children with conditions. Our findings illustrate that children in the general population show similar relationships. By recognizing these relationships, we can better support all children’s participation. Primary Author and Speaker: Evan Dean Additional Authors and Speakers: Scott Tomchek, Winnie Dunn, Lauren Little

Date Presented 4/8/2016 The literature emphasizes sensory patterns among vulnerable populations. Our findings illustrate that children in the general population have similar patterns. By recognizing these similarities, we can study children who are participating successfully to discover how they manage everyday life. Primary Author and Speaker: Winnie Dunn Additional Authors and Speakers: Scott Tomchek, Lauren Little, Evan Dean

Date Presented 4/8/2016 This session will describe the relationships between sensory processing patterns and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk (as measured by ASD screening measures) in a sample of toddlers diagnosed with ASD. Early identification and intervention implications for occupational therapy practitioners will be discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Scott Tomchek Additional Author and Speaker: Evan Dean, Winnie Dunn, Lauren Little

Date Presented 4/9/2016 This study used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the validity of the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2). The SP2 demonstrated a good fit with the four-factor model (based on Dunn’s Sensory Processing Framework). Primary Author and Speaker: Evan Dean Additional Authors and Speakers: Winnie Dunn, Lauren Little

Sensory processing differences in preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affect their engagement in everyday activities, thereby influencing opportunities to practice and develop skills such as social communication and adaptive behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which specific sensory processing patterns relate to aspects of development (i.e., adaptive behavior, expressive and receptive language, fine and gross motor skills, social behavior) in a sample of preschool-age children with ASD (N = 400). A retrospective chart review was used to gather clinical data. Results suggest that sensory processing patterns differentially affect children’s developmental skills and adaptive behavior. Certain sensory processing patterns predicted children’s development of language, motor, and adaptive skills. These findings have clear implications for occupational therapy practice with young children with ASD. Practitioners should consider how sensory processing in ASD both supports and limits children’s ability to engage in social communication and learning opportunities.

Date Presented 4/16/2015 This study describes subtypes/profiles of children on the basis of sensory processing patterns and child characteristics in a large sample of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 400) between ages 3 and 6 yr. Implications for practice are discussed.

Date Presented 4/17/2015 In this session, we present the findings of a study in which we investigated the developmental stability of the seeking-sensory pattern though age groups and across clinical diagnostic groups. Implications for assessment and intervention planning of occupational therapy practitioners are discussed.

OBJECTIVE. The study aim was to determine natural variability in somatosensation across age groups using brief measures. We validated measures in a community-dwelling population as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox; http://www.nihtoolbox.org ). METHOD. Participants included community-dwelling children and adults (N = 367, ages 3–85 yr) across seven sites. We tested haptic recognition, touch detection–discrimination, and proprioception using brief affordable measures as required by the NIH Toolbox. RESULTS. Accuracy improved from young children to young adults; from young to older adults, the pattern reversed slightly. We found significant differences between adults and older adults. One proprioception test (kinesthesia; p =.003) showed gender differences (females more accurate). We provide expected score ranges for age groups as a basis for understanding age-related expectations for somatosensory perception. CONCLUSION. The age-related patterns of somatosensory perception from this study refine decision making about performance.