Harnessing the Power of Nature: Outdoor Sensory Activities for Autistic Children

• By: Andrea Kormanik, OTD, OTR/L Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, ASDCS Shenandoah University
• January 10th, 2024
• children, holistic health, independence, integrating nature, mental health benefits, nature, nature exploration, outdoor play, physical health benefits, social well-being benefits, Winter 2024 Issue
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Holistic health improves when children spend time playing outdoors (Dankiw et al., 2020; Gill, 2015; McQuay et al., 2020; McCormick, 2017). Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate increased world connections with outdoor sensory activities, as the natural environment affords more...

The Role of Sensory-Focused Education in Inclusive Classrooms

• By: Marissa Hunter, MEd, MOT, OTR/L The Kellar School of Inova Kellar Center Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, ASDCS Shenandoah University
• January 10th, 2024
• advocacy, children, education, inclusive classrooms, self-regulation strategies, sensory issues, sensory system regulation, sensory-focused education, Winter 2024 Issue
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In inclusive classrooms, all student learners have strategies, techniques, support, respect, and a welcoming environment to promote academic success (Webster, 2014). Inclusive classrooms require the integration of differentiated instruction tailored to the unique academic, mental, and physical...

Reaching Ukraine: Occupational Therapy-Centered Training to Support Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kyiv

• By: Ashley Slemp Held, OTD, OTR/L Milligan University Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, ASDCS Shenandoah University
• May 17th, 2023
• children, education, fine motor skills, interprofessionals, occupational therapy, oral motor skills, sensory motor skills, telehealth, training, Ukraine, underserved community
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In the Eastern European country of Ukraine where there are more than 44 million residents (Archer, Harper, & Cameron, 2020), there are just 3 ergotherapists (Ukrainian translation for occupational therapists) in practice (Imas & Lazarieva, 2017). Though Ukrainian health officials recognize...