Leveraging Understanding from Emerging Adults with Developmental Learning Disorders in Guiding Occupational Therapy Practice

Students with learning and attention disorders face obstacles related to managing occupational and life demands during their transitions to adult roles. Occupational therapists are ideally suited to facilitate the occupational role and performance of high achieving youth with learning and/or attention disorders (L/AD) in preparation for and during the transition to adult roles and contexts through college pathways.  However, greater understanding of these young people’s broad-ranging needs and challenges across academic, career development, social, and daily life contexts is necessary. This presentation describes challenges faced by young adult college students with L/AD, a multi-faceted approach for supporting these students used at the University of Florida, and insights learned from academically successful undergraduates with L/AD that can be used to guide both research and practice.

Target Audience:

Occupational therapy and other health care professional practitioners, educators, supervisors, managers

Educational Level

Introductory: Course content is appropriate for practitioners with little or no knowledge of the subject matter who are seeking evidence-based knowledge of the topic with a focus on clinical application

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Describe clinical conditions comprising learning disabilities.
• Describe clinical approach to understanding and supporting individuals with LD within or transitioning to a college setting.
• Understand strategies for facilitating success and reflect on potential applications to your own practice

AOTA Classification Codes

• Category 1: Domain of OT – Occupations: Education
• Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process – Intervention: Education and training                
• Occupational Therapy Process – Outcomes: Role competence

Completion Requirements

0.1 AOTA CEUs (1 Contact Hour for State of Florida Occupational Therapy practitioners) will be awarded upon a successful completion of a multiple choice post-test. Participants will be able to print a certificate of completion after completing a short course evaluation in addition to the post-test. The UF Occupational Therapy Department will enter the Contact Hour into the CEBroker database for Florida licensed occupational therapy practitioners: Florida CEBroker tracking # 20-6591127

Disclosure Statement

The instructor and collaborator have stated that they have no financial or non-financial interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material discussed during the presentation.

Instructional Methods

The learner will view a streaming video presentation, reference PowerPoint® slides, and take a multiple choice post-test.