'TOPPSS': A Model of Interprofessional Collaboration for the Treatment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Elementary School Settings

Due to the nature of the complexity of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), elementary-aged students with this disorder require a holistic, team-based approach to education in the school setting. A review of current literature has found that while interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) in the school setting is effective and often recommended for students with ASD, a variety of barriers have resulted in fragmented care. Additionally, there is limited research supporting a cohesive model of interprofessional collaborative practice when working with students with ASD in the elementary school setting. This problem is likely leading to decreased outcomes for elementary-aged students with ASD. Occupational therapy practitioners' role as holistic, client-centered practitioners creates an ability to bridge the gaps between the often-fragmented goals of the members of an interprofessional team. Interprofessional collaboration in the school setting between occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapy practitioners, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, social workers, and teachers is crucial to addressing the multi-faceted needs of children with ASD and providing the highest level of service in accordance with the "Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, Fourth Edition." This doctoral project aims to add to the limited body of research in this area in order to fulfill this role. The "TOPPSS Model of Interprofessional Collaboration" is an evidence-based school-year long plan of structured collaboration between staff members working with students with ASD in an elementary school setting through a professional development workshop. The workshop will educate participants on the TOPPSS Model of Interprofessional Collaboration. The participants that are being targeted for this workshop include elementary school-based teachers ("T"), occupational therapy practitioners ("O"), physical therapy practitioners ("P"), psychologists ("P"), speech-language pathologists ("S"), and social workers ("S"). The overall aim of this program is to improve interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) among the participants in order to increase positive outcomes for students with ASD. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]