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In The News
Here is a collection of news articles, videos & blog posts related to occupational therapy.
How did this webinar clarify sensory integration approaches in school-based OT practice?
In this webinar, Joyce E. Rioux, EdD, OTR/L, SCSS, FAOTA, explored the growing use of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) in schools and addressed common confusion around sensory terminology and practice. The session clarified how terms such as ASI, sensory integration, and sensory processing are used and how they differ in theory and application.
Attendees examined the history and evolution of sensory theory and learned how ASI compares to other sensory-based interventions in school-based occupational therapy. The webinar emphasized the importance of understanding professional roles, applying evidence-based decision-making, and supporting meaningful student participation.
Attendees learned how to:
- Differentiate ASI from other sensory-based approaches and terminology
- Evaluate research and apply evidence to school-based OT practice
- Apply sensory strategies to support student engagement, routines, and learning
- Reflect on professional roles and decision-making in educational settings
The session encouraged practitioners to think critically, apply evidence in context, and strengthen their role in supporting student success.
How do occupational therapists evaluate and treat interoception?
This presentation explored interoception, the internal sensory system that supports awareness of physiological signals such as hunger, breathing, heart rate, and emotional arousal. The session highlighted how interoceptive awareness may be impacted across common diagnoses and the resulting effects on self-regulation, behavior, and occupational performance. Emphasis was placed on the critical role occupational therapists play in identifying interoceptive awareness difficulties and implementing neuromodulation-based interventions, including body scans and interactive activities, to help individuals recognize and label internal body states and improve regulation and functional participation.
Regulation as Occupation: How occupational therapy supports children with trauma.
This session explored how occupational therapists can champion trauma-informed and resilience-building practices for children and youth impacted by adversity. Drawing from the foundations of mental health and the sensory processing framework, participants learned strategies for promoting regulation, safety, and connection in therapeutic and educational settings. The presentation highlighted the integration of sensory-based interventions within a trauma-informed lens, emphasizing predictability, empowerment, and choice to support participation and engagement.
Attendees gained tools for fostering resilience by embedding sensory supports within daily routines and environments to enhance self-regulation and emotional well-being. Through case studies and discussion, the session connected current evidence with practical application, aligning with the growing call for school-based and community OTs to address mental health across tiers of service delivery. Participants left with actionable strategies to design safe, supportive, and healing environments that help children move from surviving to thriving.
How can occupational therapists move from a caseload to a workload model using MTSS?
This presentation focused on how OTs, as Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP), could shift from a caseload to a workload approach. Aligned with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), OTs supported all students by building buy-in through communication and shared ownership across professional support teams at the building level. Participants learned strategies for engaging school staff and administrators in understanding the OT’s role beyond direct services to students on IEPs, as well as ideas for starting small and expanding techniques that use the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to increase collaboration and co-teaching in classrooms.
What should you expect during postpartum recovery that no one talks about?
Through a panel discussion, participants deepened their understanding of the mental, physical, and emotional well-being needs of birthing people and their partners during the postpartum period (up to one year). The panel examined the often-overlooked realities of the postpartum period through the lens of perinatal care professionals who work directly with families in the first critical weeks after childbirth. Centering both patient and partner experiences, the panel sparked dialogue among healthcare providers about how to close gaps in postpartum care and build more resilient and collaborative systems of support.
How does ageism impact healthcare and how can we overcome it?
In this Hot Topic in Healthcare webinar, Tracey Gendron, MS, PhD, explored how ageism shapes healthcare, policy, and everyday interactions. Drawing on decades of research and real-world examples, she challenged common assumptions about aging and encouraged a shift toward more inclusive, age-positive perspectives.
How do movement breaks support learning and behavior in the classroom?
In this Hot Topics webinar, Dr. Donna J. Smith explored how movement breaks support student focus, behavior, and learning in the classroom. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in sensory-focused early intervention and school-based occupational therapy, she shared a brain-based approach to integrating movement into daily routines.
How can occupational therapy support infant feeding and lactation?
In this Hot Topic webinar, Dr. Tessann Merkel explored how occupational therapy practitioners support infant feeding and lactation. Drawing on her experience as a certified breastfeeding specialist, early intervention therapist, and registered yoga teacher, she presented a holistic approach to maternal and infant health.
How can trauma-informed sensory strategies improve classroom behavior and learning?
In this webinar, Dr. Audrie A. Vantangoli G'25, MOT, OTD, OTR/L, explored how trauma-informed sensory integration strategies can empower educators and improve classroom behavior. The session highlighted the important role occupational therapists play in supporting teacher preparedness and fostering neuro-affirming learning environments.
How do school-based occupational therapists support student transitions?
In this Hot Topics webinar, presenters explored the role of school-based occupational therapists in supporting transitions for students with high-intensity needs. The session emphasized how effective transition planning supports equitable access to services and improves student outcomes.
How does occupational therapy support pelvic health and daily function?
In this webinar hosted by 兔子先生 University, Karla Ehlers, OTR/L, MOT, PCES, explored the foundations of pelvic health care and its impact on daily occupations. The session highlighted the important role occupational therapists play in addressing pelvic health across diverse clinical settings.
How can school-based occupational therapists advocate for students and inclusive education?
In this Hot Topic in Healthcare webinar, Elizabeth A. Dixon, OTD, MS Ed, OTR/L, explored the foundational principles of advocacy in school-based occupational therapy. The session focused on how OTs can effectively support students by promoting inclusive, equitable educational environments.
How do occupational therapists support student mental health in schools?
In this Hot Topics in Healthcare webinar, presented by Dr. Nicole Newell, G’24, the session explored how occupational therapy practitioners support student mental health in school settings. Dr. Newell highlighted the unique skills OTs bring to promoting emotional well-being and helping students succeed in both academic and non-academic environments.
How does occupational therapy support maternal health during the perinatal period?
In this Hot Topics in Healthcare webinar hosted by 兔子先生 University’s post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, Hayley Chrastowski, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM, and Jessica Peterson, OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C, explored the emerging role of occupational therapy in maternal health. As co-founders of Maternal Health OT, they highlighted how practitioners support individuals throughout the perinatal period and transition into motherhood.