Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Shana Cerny, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Keywords
Occupational therapy, trauma-informed care, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), caregiver education
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
A significant number of children receiving occupational therapy services have histories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including neglect, abuse, frequent changes in caregiving environments, and exposure to chronic stressors. These experiences can strongly affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in meaningful daily occupations. These challenges are often made more complex by limited caregiver education, inconsistent access to trauma-informed resources, and differences in therapist confidence when addressing trauma in pediatric practice. Occupational therapy practitioners are well-positioned to support these needs through holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered care that considers sensory, emotional, environmental, and developmental factors. The purpose of this capstone was to develop trauma-informed educational resources to support caregiver understanding in a pediatric occupational therapy setting. These materials were designed to improve caregiver knowledge and engagement with trauma-informed strategies while also strengthening therapist confidence in applying trauma-informed care in clinical practice. In addition, the project supported the development of trauma-informed clinical skills and enhanced the application of these principles within pediatric OT evaluation and intervention. Outcomes demonstrated strong implementation of resources, increased caregiver engagement, improved understanding of trauma, and enhanced therapist confidence. Overall, this project highlights the important role of occupational therapy in utilizing trauma-informed, occupation-based approaches and caregiver education to improve outcomes for children with trauma histories.
Recommended Citation
Benson, Morgan, "Creating Supportive Environments for Children to Bloom: A Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Approach" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 162.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/162