Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Sonia Kay

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2021

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2021

Abstract

Abstract Occupational therapists frequently work with children with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory processing disorder in children can affect a child’s ability to effectively participate in everyday activities, including family occupations. Currently, no literature specifically addresses the lived experience of parents of children with SPD during familial occupational engagement. This investigator used a mixed methods study to examine the lived experiences of parents of children with SPD and assessed perceptions of the parent on the constructs of efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction as compared with parents with typical children. Performance on all three constructs was assessed in relation to the occupations deemed most important and occupations deemed most challenging. Overall findings showed that while some experiences of parenting during family occupations were similar, significant difference existed between groups. The qualitative themes that emerged were the details matter, ways of adapting, as long as we are together, similar but different, satisfaction is found. The quantitative findings indicated no statistically significant difference between groups of parents on any construct. Statistical significance was found within the group of parents of children with SPD between the constructs of efficient and effectiveness and within the group of parents of typical children between satisfaction and efficiency. While all parents valued connecting with their children, the lived experience for parents of children with SPD within the context of family occupations was more challenging emotionally and practically. To provide comprehensive, family-centered care, occupational therapy providers should include strategies to address the needs of the parent into the treatment plan for a child with SPD. Key words: parent, family occupations, sensory processing disorder, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Keywords

effectiveness; efficiency; family occupations; parenting; satisfaction; sensory processing disorder

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