LeDuc, Allyse and Murrow, Austin and Poniente, Alyanna Michelle and Thompson, Kelsey (2020) Driver preparedness: a handbook for occupational therapists addressing pre-driving skills in teenagers with developmental disabilities. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.
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Abstract
Driving, an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), requires a multitude of different components to be performed safely. Adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability (ID) will have more difficulty with the various skills needed to drive than their neurotypical peers. Research has indicated that occupational therapists are well qualified to address driving skills in teenagers with DD; however, currently, there are limited evidence-based resources and tools that exist. This thesis project was designed to create and disseminate an evidence-based resource for clinicians to highlight areas of need when assessing pre-driving skills in teenagers and adolescents with DD, along with providing additional resources for interventions and safe-driving and related skill development strategies for caregivers and occupational therapists (OTs). We conducted in-depth research highlighting the areas of difficulty that adolescents frequently experience when learning to drive in addition to beneficial assessments, evaluations, and interventions that occupational therapists may use when addressing the skills needed for driving. A digital handbook was then created and developed that contained information helpful to occupational therapists when addressing these skills, such as comprehensive driving analysis, driving skill lists, assessment lists, evaluation and screening tool flowcharts, and suggested interventions. The handbook was disseminated preliminarily to a small group of clinicians for professional review through the use of reviewer surveys. The review forms included a 5-point Likert Scale and qualitative data which included questions relevant to the handbook. Once the data was completed, it was compiled and analyzed for themes. Results from the feedback forms were consistent among each reviewer, which revealed that the handbook was well appreciated, comprehensive, and necessary for occupational therapists. Thus, it is anticipated that the handbook created has the potential to further the clinical application of occupational therapists for teens with DD and concerns relating to driving skills. Future research should consider the Driver Preparedness application in a pre and post-test research design, along with resources and information on funding processes that could enhance the handbook and lead to the creation of a more clinically appropriate second version in the future.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
| Depositing User: | Institutional Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Jan 2022 23:57 |
| Last Modified: | 02 May 2024 21:57 |
| URI: | http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/62 |
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