Evangelista, Faye and Movchan, Alyssa and Olarig, Danni and Ontiveros, Aaron (2022) Perceptions of occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students serving autistic adults 50 years and older. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.
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Abstract
Introduction: It is estimated that approximately 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed with autism worldwide. Existing autism research is concerned with the pediatric population; however, there is a gap in studies regarding the older autistic community. The readiness of American occupational therapy (OT) students to work with autistic older adults are being explored using an online self-assessment survey. This study aims to identify gaps in healthcare in order to increase the quality of life for autistic older adults and will be a pilot study of a larger cross-cultural research project to be completed in 2023. Objective: To explore the readiness and competence of occupational therapy students to work with autistic older adults. Method: A mixed methods methodology is adopted via an online survey that consists of Likert scale, multiple choice, and open-ended questions. Target participants are occupational therapy and certified occupational therapy assistant students, and recruitment will be through word of mouth and online methodologies. Results: Results describe exposure to this population in acquaintances, employment/volunteer, and within the family. The data highlights that while most participants have had experiences with autistic individuals through family, work/volunteer roles, and acquaintances, a majority were not able to describe an experience they had with an older autistic adult. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were implemented to interpret the patterns. The results also indicated that a majority of participants felt somewhat prepared to work with older autistic adults in a clinical setting. Due to the low number of occupational therapy assistant responses, we are not able to generate a meaningful comparison or conclusion between the two targeted populations. Conclusion: These findings will be used to guide proper training and fill any unidentified gaps by informing OT school curriculum. Professional associations have a responsibility to create resources for the occupational therapy community to work with this population.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | MSOTOC11.13 |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry |
| Depositing User: | Kareena Yashko |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jun 2024 16:53 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jun 2024 16:53 |
| URI: | http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/153 |
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