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Toothbrush Training for Preschool Teachers of Students with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Background: One in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Oral health for children with ASD is significantly impacted by sensory sensitivities and communication delays. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to provide special education preschool teachers with an evidence-based oral hygiene module. This module is focused toward giving teachers the confidence and accommodations to provide a daily toothbrushing program. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework used in the development of this Capstone is Cognitive Learning Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Occupational Justice.
Methods. A sampling of preschool teachers of students with level 3 ASD was used. A training module on the value and strategies for toothbrushing as a part of a preschool routine was implemented with teachers in a school district. Teachers were asked to complete a pre-survey directly following the training. They were given four weeks to implement the program and a post-survey was sent. Comparison between the pre- and post-surveys measured teachers’ confidence and willingness to integrate a classroom toothbrushing program.
Results. The results of this study revealed preschool teachers are confident using their skills with sensory and communication accommodations for students with level 3 ASD in the development of a toothbrushing program in the classroom. Barriers that prevent teachers from implementing toothbrushing were staffing levels and teacher experience. Conclusions: Preschool teachers of students with level 3 ASD are competent in using evidence based sensory and communication supports in their classrooms. The classrooms designed for children with ASD are an ideal environment to implement the routine of toothbrushing. Although, teachers are aware of the importance of toothbrushing they do not perceive this as part of their role to implement in classroom routines
Exploring Supports and Barriers to Inclusion in Occupational Therapy Education
The recent innumerable social and racial injustices and healthcare disparities experienced globally have catapulted diversity and inclusion discussions to the forefront. The purpose of this study was to identify the supports and barriers to inclusion in occupational therapy (OT) education from the experiences of OT students from historically marginalized groups and the perspectives of OT faculty/staff. The authors used a convergent mixed methods design for the study, which consisted of an online survey and semi-structured interviews. 131 students and 35 faculty/staff completed the survey, while 20 students and 11 faculty completed interviews. Five themes emerged from the data: 1) Barriers and facilitators exist while exploring OT as a potential career; 2) There are pros and cons to the OT admissions process for students from historically marginalized groups; 3) Students from historically marginalized groups experience varying degrees of exclusion and a limited sense of belonging within their OT programs; 4) Many OT programs have good intentions to promote diversity and inclusion through various efforts; and 5) Some OT program efforts may be counterproductive, and more actions must be taken to further promote inclusion and address barriers to inclusion. Numerous supports and barriers to inclusion in OT education were identified within these themes. Findings indicate that despite numerous inclusion efforts, students from historically marginalized groups continue to experience several barriers that impact inclusion in OT education. Based on these findings, the authors provide strategies to promote and advocate for inclusion in OT education
Gender Career Stereotypes, Implicit Bias, and Occupational Therapy
Implicit (unconscious) gender bias and stereotypes can affect clinical decisions and interactions between healthcare professionals, as well as impact careers. However, there is no research exploring the implicit gender bias or stereotypes of occupational therapy students or practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the gender-career bias of occupational therapy students. To do so, occupational therapy students (n = 54) from three Midwestern United States graduate occupational therapy programs completed the gender-career attitudes implicit association test (IAT) – biases associating women with family, and men with career – as well as a survey polling demographic information. Participants’ scores on the Gender-Career IAT were calculated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a one-tailed t-test. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression models were used to determine differences in implicit attitudes based on participants’ demographics. The majority (79.63%) of occupational therapy students in this study implicitly associated men with career, and women with family. There were not statistically significant differences in implicit attitudes based on demographic characteristics. It is critical to be aware of the existence of gender-career implicit biases, like other biases, to identify and reduce negative effects these attitudes could have on professional identity development, professional and clinical interactions, clinical assessments and interventions, as well as personal decisions regarding career trajectory. This study’s findings lay the foundation for future research on the effect of this bias on education, clinical practice, and career identity and longevity within the profession, as well as interventions to reduce implicit gender-career biases
Utilizing an Evidence-Based Treatment Program for Offenders with Mental Health Disorders to Demonstrate Interprofessional Social Work Practice
Sixty-four percent of jail offenders, 54% of state prisoners, and 45% of federal prisoners have a mental illness (Taylor, 2022). Mental illness increases the risk of recidivism. Individuals with mental illness have limited access to appropriate treatment. They are more likely to respond negatively to the prison environment. This can lead to infractions and solitary confinement. In addition, 51% of incarcerated individuals, whether they received mental health treatment or not, are likely to experience recidivism (Pflueger et al., 2015). The practice of interprofessional social work inside the American prison system is desperately needed. The following paper proposes an evidence-based treatment program that is coordinated by an interprofessional social worker. This includes an explanation of how interprofessional social work practice can be used to facilitate collaboration among diverse professionals for program effectiveness
Utilizing Interprofessional Collaboration in an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
This paper examines the practicum placement I\u27ve held for the duration of this semester. This paper discusses Behavioral Health Group\u27s Level 1 outpatient substance abuse clinic. Behavioral Health Group is located in Richmond, Kentucky\u27s rural Madison County. BHG Richmond offers Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol Medication-Assisted Treatment. This paper explores the function of the social worker as a counselor and member of an interdisciplinary team. This paper examines the ethical models and skills that social workers can use to promote an effective treatment experience for patients who present to BHG Richmond, as well as the close monitoring from the beginning to the end of their treatment experience and the follow-up procedures to provide aftercare support for this complex and vulnerable population
The Benefits of Socialization for Children with Disabilities
Therapeutic recreation is vital to the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities, especially for children. Children with physical and intellectual disabilities typically are seen for interventions in therapeutic recreation, learning new ways to cope and adjust to their disabilities. Research has found that adaptive sports programs are a benefit for children with physical disabilities to still participate in physical activity. However, some issues that arise for these children is the lack of inclusion that is seen in many activities/programs. All individuals have limits, yet some are more limited than others, however accommodations can be made. Participation in these types of activities helps improve and positively influence socialization, physical and mental health and overall quality of life. According to the National Organization on Disability (NOD) individuals with disabilities being compared to their peers can create issues in different aspects of life, for example, socialization, participation in certain activities, education, etc. (Zabrinskie, Lundberg & Groff, 2005). Implications and results show that improvement of socialization for children with disabilities in seen through increased participation in programs and activities
The Upcoming of al-Shabaab
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to understand al-Shabaab’s motives and how the group operates. Because the group has grown in forces and supplies, al-Shabaab is a threat to neighboring countries and other foreign presence. By researching the groups war funds, main objectives, and methods and tactics while understanding their fight in Africa, Somalia and their allies can better mitigate possible attacks and further neutralize the groups presence in Somalia. Research finding conclude Al-Shabaab has profited up to $100 million off smuggling and black-marketing contraband as well as running multiple racketeering operations. The group has an estimated 7,000 and 12,000 forces in the southern and central regions of Somalia. According to the Global Terrorism Database, there were over 2,500 terrorist incidents in Somalia between 2006 and 2020, with the majority of them attributed to al-Shabaab. These attacks resulted in over 9,500 deaths and over 14,000 injuries. The group has also been responsible for numerous large-scale attacks including the 2016 attack on a AMISOM base killing 141, and the 2017 truck bombings that toppled streets and buildings in downtown Mogadishu killing 512 and wounding 312. Research findings indicates al-Shabaab\u27s violence has had a devastating impact on the people of Somalia contributing to the ongoing struggle of regional stability in the country. Recommendations include cutting off fundings, increase regional cooperation, and strengthening the Somali government and resources.
Keywords: Al-Shabaab, somalia, contraband, mogadishu, amisom (African union mission in Somalia
Gender socialization and Perceptions of Abortion
Although there has been research done on the relationship between how women perceive gender and how they view abortion, there is a lack of research on the relationship between gender socialization and how people perceive abortion in Kentucky adults. Adults in Kentucky will participate in taking the study’s survey, answering how they were socialized based on gender, and then questioned on how they view abortion. The survey has 8 questions, beginning with getting consent and confirming age and residency. The goal is for over 100 survey responses, where conclusions about the relationship between gender socialization and perceptions of abortion can be drawn
How food insecurity goes beyond food: Research and recommendations for higher education
Many college students are unable to access adequate amounts of food, especially highquality foods that are often costly. Nationally, nearly 44% of students will experience food insecurity during their time at college. Research has shown that experiencing food insecurity heightens student risks for performing worse in their courses, experiencing poorer overall health, and having higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Other demands such as working more to afford food and finding adequate housing and transportation can also place additional burdens on these students. At Eastern Kentucky University, we examined food insecurity to gain a better understanding of its true effects on students. Based on these findings and our review of best practices nationally, we provide suggestions for policies and programs that university organizations can create to provide relief for students struggling with food insecurity
Critical Revisions in Sexual Harassment Policies at the Collegiate Level
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the gaps in sexual harassment policies at the collegiate level. Most literature for this field finds that there are gaps in policies across America, but not many touch on the actual revisions we should be pushing for in these policies. Research is conducted using an online survey to obtain demographics and experiences of students on a local university’s campus and Model Laboratory’s campus regarding sexual harassment. Students are asked to answer multiple questions regarding what kind of harassment they faced and asked if they feel their institution did not help them to their fullest extent if they reported the harassment. Using these questions, I hope to establish connections regarding gaps in these policies so that in the future these gaps can be filled