Occupational therapy for children and youth: UNE’s Jane O’Brien offers solutions for success

Jane O’Brien, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of New England, was an invited scholar and speaker at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) as part of its Scholarship of Practice (SOP) lecture series.

O’Brien’s presentation titled, “Strength-based intervention with children using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO)” illustrated the use of MOHO, current theory, research evidence and therapeutic reasoning to implement a strength-based approach for children and youth. O’Brien’s research has found that strength-based approaches lead to increased self-efficacy and self-determination, which enhances continued occupational performance. Case examples highlighted practical strategies to apply the model’s principles in occupational therapy practice with children and youth.

UIC’s Scholarship of Practice lecture series is designed to disseminate evidence-based knowledge relevant to occupational therapy practice. Presentations contribute to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of professional clinical skills and scientific knowledge in the practice of occupational therapy.

The MOHO Clearinghouse is an international hub of research, scholarship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration involving the most evidence-based and widely cited conceptual practice model in the field of occupational therapy. During her visit, O’Brien also contributed to the planning of the upcoming International Institute on the Model of Human Occupation, to be co-sponsored by the MOHO Clearinghouse and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit www.une.edu/wchp

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions