Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Gail Bass
Abstract
Purpose: The current literature revealed a need to address the establishment, organization, and application of primary health care as well as support programs for parental caregivers of adolescents with Down syndrome, especially during the transition period out of high school (Barros, Barros, Barros, & Santos, 2017). Providing information, resources, and support to parental caregivers of adolescents with Down syndrome and health care professionals, such as occupational therapists, can help alleviate caregiver burden and promote the parents’ quality of life. Occupational therapists can play an important role during the post-secondary transition period for adolescents with Down syndrome by assisting them in developing adaptive behaviors, increasing self-advocacy and self-determination, gaining employment skills, and life skills (Berg, Jirikowic, Haerling, & MacDonald, 2017); however, they can also address the needs of the parental caregivers, especially self-care needs, to assist them through this process and ease caregiver burden.
Recommended Citation
Rachey, Kalindi and Johnson, Hailey, "Parental Caregiver Guide For An Adolescent With Down Syndrome: Transitioning Out Of High School" (2021). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 475.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/475