Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sarah Nielsen

Keywords

Adolescent; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity--therapy; Child; Occupational Therapy--methods

Abstract

Background: ADHD can have a negative impact on occupational performance of a child, interfering with ADLs, IADLs, education, leisure, and play. However, at this time, a cumulative review of evidence based occupational therapy interventions for children with ADHD do not exist.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to complete a systematic review of what occupational therapy interventions are effective for school-aged children with ADHD.

Methods: An extensive systematic review for level T, II, or II research articles was completed using CINAHL and OT Search. Inclusion, exclusion, subject terms, and words or phrases were determined with assistance from the librarian at the Harley French Library at the University of North Dakota.

Results: The systematic review yielded !3 evidence-based articles with interventions related to cognition, motor, sensory, and play. Upon completion of the systematic review, articles were categorized based upon an initial literature search understanding common occupational therapy interventions for children with ADHD. Specifically, level I, II, and III occupational therapy research is available for interventions addressing cognition, motor, sensory, and play.

Conclusion: Implications for practice and education include the need for foundational and continuing education opportunities reflecting evidenced-based interventions for ADHD. Further research is needed to solidify best practices for children with ADHD including more rigorous studies across interventions.

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