Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kelly Dornbier
Abstract
Background: Individuals who experience trauma are at a higher risk of experiencing decreased occupational performance, specifically in education. Students are more likely to have decreased emotional and sensory regulation, decreased attention, problem-solving, and social skills, and struggle to transition between activities (Bhsushan, 2021; Fraser et al., 2019; Goddard, 2021; Whiting, 2018). These difficulties can create barriers to participating and succeeding in education. In addition to experiencing barriers while engaging in school, trauma can also result in an increased risk of experiencing long-term health impacts, such as heart disease, obesity, depression, hypertension, and other chronic conditions (Bhushan, 2021; Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2022; Felitti et al., 1998; Petrucelli et al., 2019).
Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a toolkit that can be used to inform educational professionals about the impacts trauma has on students, provide environmental adaptations that can be implemented in the classroom, and provide activities that can help decrease barriers experienced after experiencing trauma.
Methodology: The product was developed following a comprehensive literature review that focused on traumas impacts on children and interventions that can be used in the school setting to help students who have experienced trauma. The needs assessment was completed after arriving on-site to determine additional needs. The ecology of human performance (EHP) was used to guide the research and development of the product (Dunn, 2017; Dunn et al., 1994).
Results: The toolkit created includes three sections. The first provides a brief background on trauma and its impacts on children and their education. The second includes environmental modifications and adaptations that can be implemented in the classroom. The third contains several class activities that focus on overcoming barriers experienced when a child has a history of trauma. The product has not been implemented yet; however, the toolkit is anticipated to increase teachers’ understanding of trauma and its impacts on students, and students will experience increased occupational performance in school.
Recommended Citation
Kasper, Abigail, "Toolkit For Teachers Who Have Students Who Have Experiences Aces: An Occupational Therapy Guide" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 622.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/622