Self-Determination for Autistic Students

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Self-determination interventions are linked to positive academic and functional attainment results—and, most compellingly, can improve post-secondary outcomes. 

But what does it look like for OT professionals to foster self-determination in the school setting? 

In this one hour course, we’ll breakdown a scoping review that examines the Independence Curriculum, which is designed to enhance middle-school-aged autistic students’ self-determination. The results are improvement in: 

• Self-determination
• Goal attainment in:
  • Executive functioning
  • Self-regulation

After we break down the article, we’re delighted to welcome the article’s lead author, Dora Onwumere. She and I will discuss the practical implications of this research for OTs. 

Agenda

Intro (5 minutes)

Breakdown and analysis of journal article (5 minutes)

• 00:00:00 OT for Middle School Autistic Students
• 00:00:54 Intro to OT Potential Podcast
• 00:02:40 Functional Skills: A Persistent Gap for Autistic Students
• 00:03:33 Self-determination and Functional Skills
• 00:04:50 Intent of this Research
• 00:05:23 Research Methods
• 00:06:26 Research Results
• 00:07:40 Discussion and Implications for OT Practice
• 00:08:25 Research Conclusion

Discussion on practical implications for OTs (with Dora Onwumere) (50 minutes)

• 00:09:21 Dora Onwumere Intro
• 00:12:11 How Dora First Found OT
• 00:15:03 Working as a School-based OT
• 00:18:34 Transitioning to Research & Middle School Checklist
• 00:29:20 Development of the Independence Curriculum
• 00:33:58 The Importance of Self-determination
• 00:40:24 Incorporating Self-determination Goal in an IEP
• 00:42:54 Assessments + Middle School Checklist
• 00:45:09 Independence Curriculum for OT Sessions
• 00:48:04 The Future of this Work
• 00:50:57 Advice for Fellow OTs?
• 00:54:34 Occupational Therapy is…
• 00:54:53 A Moment in Therapy You’ll Never Forget
• 00:57:29 Final Thought from Dora
• 00:58:47 Conclusion

Primary Journal Article Explored

When you log in, be sure to check out the OT Potential Club’s written breakdown of the following research article. Then, share your questions and thoughts with fellow practitioners.

• The impact of an independence curriculum on self-determination and function in middle school autistic students.

Supporting Research and Journal Articles

• Strengths-based practice to enhance mental health for autistic people: A scoping review.

• Understanding self-determination as a crucial component in promoting the distinct value of occupational therapy in post-secondary transition planning.

Supplemental Materials

Self-determination assessments

• AIR Self-Determination Assessment
• ARC Self-Determination Scale
• Armstrong Neurodiversity Strengths Checklist
• Casey Life Skills

Learning Objectives

• You will be able to recognize the importance of self-determination when planning OT interventions for autistic middle school students. 
• You will be able to identify assessments you can use to support self-determination. 

Target Audience/Educational Level

Our target audience is occupational therapy practitioners who are looking to learn about Self-Determination for Autistic Students.  The educational level is introductory.

Financial and Non-financial Disclosures

It is the policy of OT Potential to disclose any financial and non-financial interest the provider or instructor may have in a product or service mentioned during an activity. This is to ensure that the audience is made aware of any bias of the speaker.

We here at OT Potential have no financial stake in this topic. Our guest, Dora Onwumere, also has no financial disclosures.

Speakers

Dora Onwumere MS, OTR/L

Dora Onwumere is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Occupational Therapy at New York University Steinhardt School.

Dora holds a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from New York Institute of Technology (with distinction) and a Bachelor of Science degree from Stony Brook University with a concentration in Healthcare Management. Read full bio.

Sarah Lyon, OTR/L

Sarah’s passion is helping fellow OT practitioners translate evidence into daily practice. Sarah earned her BA in religion from St. Olaf College, then earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University in 2011.

Since then, she’s worked in numerous facilities, including a critical access hospital, an acute trauma hospital, and a state inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Sarah is the founder/owner of OT Potential. Read more about OT Potential here.

This course was designed to meet your continuing education requirements

We designed the courses in the Club to meet the requirements for “online” and “independent/self-study” courses. To verify the requirements from your specific state (within the US), check out our post, OT Continuing Education Requirements. If you are outside of the United States and have questions, please contact us.

We are proud to be an AOTA Approved Provider and to meet the requirements for your NBCOT renewal.

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