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Supporting Parent Confidence Through Accessible Education in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

  • Dylan Spruill

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy

Abstract

This capstone project explored strategies to enhance parent confidence and engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. Guided by a needs assessment drawn from literature, clinical observation, and parent input, the project identified a lack of accessible, affirming educational materials for families. In response, strengths-based, plain-language resources were developed and distributed in both print and digital formats. These materials supported parent understanding of therapeutic goals and encouraged home-based carryover of clinical strategies. Additionally, participation in small-group summer programming and one-on-one parent conversations provided insight into family needs and informed the resource design process. Outcomes suggest that empowering parents through targeted education can improve collaboration, reduce confusion, and promote therapeutic consistency beyond the clinic. This work highlights the occupational therapist’s role in supporting families not only as service providers, but as partners in the therapeutic process.
Date of AwardAug 4 2025
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorBCP Dominique Kiefer/L (Supervisor)

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