OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The invention, application, and advocacy of occupational therapy approaches for the neurodivergent student population were the main objectives of this research. This project aimed to empower Linden Waldorf educators and staff to more effectively address the needs of their kids by offering direct observations, educational presentations, and a range of educational resources on an assortment of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses. Executive dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulties with emotional regulation, autistic spectrum disorders, and anxiety are among the diagnoses and deficiencies discussed in this research. Additionally, a smaller project was initiated on fine motor activities to be implemented within the early childhood classrooms for pre-handwriting skills. The curriculum, instructional materials, and activities and/or worksheets to use with students in the classroom to support successful learning are all included in the resources made for Waldorf instructors that were uploaded to a Google Drive available to all staff members and parents as well as a physical copy that is located in the Director of Student Supports office.

Publication Date

Spring 4-8-2025

Faculty Mentor

Camille Turner

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Waldorf; ADHD; Anxiety; Self-Regulation; Executive functioning; Occupational Therapy; Neurodivergent; Educational Handouts; Fine Motor Skills

Download

Share

COinS