Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Rhonda Roed

Abstract

Background: Over half of our youth population have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) before they reach adulthood (Madigan et al., 2025). ACEs are major factors in increasing a child’s chances of making risky lifestyle choices that negatively affect their physical, emotional, and mental health (Atchison & Suarez, 2021; Felitti et al., 1998). Dysregulation, irrational behaviors, poor academic achievements, high levels of stress, and feeling a loss of purpose are some of the challenges that at-risk youth face (Atchison & Suarez, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a toolkit that contains indirect occupational therapy informal assessments and interventions that are theory-driven and evidence-based to support at-risk youth.

Methodology: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) was the occupational therapy framework used to guide this scholarly project (O’Brien, 2017). This model focuses on how the individual’s occupational identity and competence impact their engagement in daily occupations. Additionally, trauma-informed care (TIC), sensory integration and processing, and the behavioral frameworks were utilized to support the development of the project (Cole & Tufano, 2020; Haertl, 2019).

Results: The result of this scholarly project is a toolkit that aims to provide sensory and basic life skills interventions for at-risk youth temporarily residing at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. Staff training on the implementation of this toolkit is included to support the application of this toolkit.

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