Glen Stafford Cotton, O.T.D., OTR/L, HPCS

Therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted OT for children with autism spectrum disorder

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder typically experience a variety of challenges that interfere with occupational participation. Research evidence supports a strong link between sensory processing impairments and this population. These impairments can have a negative effect on occupational participation and engagement. Occupational therapy incorporating horses or ponies (hippotherapy) provides a unique, holistic sensory experience. The focus of my current research is to examine the sensory integration benefits of hippotherapy and to determine if these benefits improve occupational participation outside of the therapy session -- at home, in the community, and at school.

Rebuilding occupational identity and competence after trauma

Our lives consist of one learning experience after another. These experiences influence how our brain develops, what we do, how we do it and with whom. We develop a positive occupational identity and achieve occupational competence. This is called occupational adaptation (Kielhofner, 2008). Over the course of a lifetime, many adults experience life-changing emotional and/or physical trauma. This can affect their participation in productive occupations, community living, social interaction and relationships. As a result, occupational identity and competence are disrupted. The focus of my research is to better understand the experience of adults with occupational identity disruption, their journey to achieve occupational adaptation, and the interventions and strategies that help them to increase participation and improve their quality of life.