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This project aimed to develop a comprehensive set of evaluation tools to assess the accessibility and inclusion of families with children on the autism spectrum in cultural institutions. A stakeholder team conducted interviews, reviewed museum artifacts, and observed museum programming. An evaluation toolkit was constructed by incorporating best practices from current literature and collected data. Tools were piloted and revised after being implemented in the museum context. The Toolkit to Increase Accessibility and Inclusion for Children on the Autism Spectrum and with Sensory Processing Differences in Cultural Institutions was developed with five unique tools, the Dimensions of Accessibility framework, and further resources to provide a self-assessment of cultural institutions. The toolkit can be used broadly across many types of institutions and self-assessment can lead to proactive development of public spaces, institutions, and programming that is accessible and inclusive of diverse groups of people, beyond families with children on the autism spectrum.

The current study examined a novel computerized cognitive reappraisal paradigm (REAP) for worry management in college-aged adults with a range of PSWQ scores (n = 98). Participants listed three current worries and were randomized to either REAP or a worry condition. For the REAP condition, participants selected positive reappraisal statements of their worries over negative ones. Before and after completing the reappraisal or worry task, participants discussed each worry. Participants rated their worries on coping ability, distress, and probability the worry would materialize. Relative to worry, the REAP group rated an increase in ability to cope with their worries whereas the results failed to provide evidence for a similar increase among the worry group. If similar findings emerge in clinical populations, REAP may eventually serve as a useful tool in augmenting cognitive behavioral therapy protocols.

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a parent-mediated, in-home feeding intervention (parent training, direct intervention, and parent coaching) over 6 months for families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings support preliminary evidence that the intervention improves eating skills and mealtime behaviors in children with ASD and the need for more targeted feeding interventions for children with ASD that involve the parents in the natural context of the home. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittany St John, Libby Hladik, Shannon Kant, Jessica Muesbeck, and Holly Romaniak

Date Presented 03/27/20 The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a parent-mediated, in-home feeding intervention (parent-training, direct intervention, and parent coaching) over six months for families with children with ASD. The findings support preliminary evidence of the intervention at improving eating skills and mealtime behaviors in children with ASD and the need for more targeted feeding interventions for children with ASD that involve the parents within the natural context of the home. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Shannon Kant, Jessica Muesbeck, Libby Hladik, Holly Romaniak, Brittany St. John

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at an increased risk for health disparities that serve as barriers to participation in daily occupations. Understanding the lived experience of individuals with ID can illuminate barriers and facilitators to these health-promoting occupations. Commonly used methods examining health for individuals with ID may not reveal important information about their daily participation potentially due to cognitive or communication limitations. Participatory action research including Photovoice is a viable alternative to meet their unique needs.The purpose of this study was to describe the process of using a Photovoice method with individuals with ID and present results from two participants to understand their meaning of health.An analysis of two participants is provided to illustrate the use of Photovoice.Three themes, Personal Identity of Health, Nutrition, and Meaningful Occupation were identified using photos, personal narratives, and focus group data.Participants had complex definitions of health that are better understood through the composite of narrative descriptions and visual data as compared to more commonly used research methods. The use of a Photovoice method allowed participants to communicate additional depth and complexity of their understanding of health that has not been previously captured.

Date Presented 04/06/19 Individuals with ID experience limited autonomy in occupational engagement impacting their health promoting occupations. Photovoice was used to allow individuals with ID to capture their lived experience of health, occupational participation, and barriers to participation. Understanding the perspective of individuals with ID will contribute to the development of novel health promotion programing. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany St. John Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau, Holly Romaniak, Elisabeth Hladik

Date Presented 04/06/19 A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of public space interventions promoting community engagement for families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings suggest a dearth of research and limited evidence supporting current effectiveness. Further research and collaboration among OTs, stakeholders, and public institutions are needed to increase opportunities for families' meaningful participation in the community. Primary Author and Speaker: Holly Romaniak Additional Authors and Speakers: Elisabeth Hladik, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 04/04/19 Special Olympics athletes are individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in sports training and competition to encourage their development of physical fitness and life skills. In addition, Special Olympics regularly conducts health promotion programming. Health outcomes between Special Olympic athletes and nonathletes with intellectual disabilities were compared using a state-wide Medicaid data set to determine potential benefits of participation in Special Olympics. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittany St. John, Elisabeth Hladik, Holly Romaniak, Muhammad Al-Heizan