Developmental Disabilities

P24-Improving Documentation of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Emergency Rooms: An Interdisciplinary Training Program

Presenters: Molly Bathje, Sarah Brennan, Rose DiGiulio, Maeve McCormack, Marisa Snyder

Description: Health disparities in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are related to a number of factors including poor communication and coordination of care within the health care system. This study reports on findings of a training program aimed at increasing health professionals' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors related to documentation of IDD within medical records. Results indicate that health professionals report a lack of knowledge about IDD and training was helpful in increasing knowledge of documentation procedures. Using an occupational justice lens, occupational therapy has a role in improving health outcomes of people with IDD by providing education to other health professionals.

P25-Stand Out: Using Theatre to Establish Self-Determination in Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Presenter: Samantha Conrad

Description: This study explores the benefit of using performance art to promote self-determination in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Using self-determination theory, adolescents with IDD engaged in a 10-week technical theatre workshop. Typically-developing peer mentors were trained on the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach and associated metacognitive strategies to assist participants throughout the program. Results of this study indicated that adolescents with IDD can increase their self-determination by engaging in meaningful extracurricular occupations that support their social, cognitive and physical needs.

P26-Going beyond mindful movement: Empowering occupational participation through yoga

Presenter: Hannah Hartz

Description: Yoga is one of the most prominently researched movement-based interventions for promotion of child mental health. The evidence supporting yoga as a medium for self-regulation and improved mental health outcomes is growing. This presentation explores the benefits of a parent training on yoga and mindfulness-based approaches to support occupational engagement in children with Down syndrome.

P27-Perspectives on intimate relationships and self-determination in young adults with Down syndrome

Presenter: Katherine Williams

Description: This session explores the perspectives of young adults with Down syndrome on intimate relationships and self-determination. The role of self-determination and participation in life roles as well as differences in age, gender, and relationship status is discussed as it relates to the formation and maintenance of intimate relationships.