Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Karen Hebert

Keywords

Autism in girls, Adapted gymnastics, adapted sports

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This project focused on the underdiagnosis of girls on the autism spectrum and the benefit of adaptive sports participation in improving motor, sensory, and social skills for this population. Occupational therapy’s role in diagnosing and treating girls displaying symptoms of autism was explored through the completion of 25 autism diagnostic evaluations and screenings. The differences in the presentation of autism in girls and women was investigated through interviews with two clinical psychologists, a survey of 17 clinicians, interviews with the parents of two girls diagnosed with autism, and an interview with 1 woman on the autism spectrum. Through this, barriers that girls and women face on the path to diagnosis were identified. The use of adaptive sports like gymnastics in addressing the differences commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder was examined through participation in six adaptive gymnastics classes each week with children who have special needs. A four-week class was created involving two girls on the autism spectrum, and the benefit of this class was measured through a survey distributed to parents.

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