Foundations of Pediatric Practice for the Occupational Therapy Assistant

This best-selling text provides an essential introduction to the theoretical foundations to clinical pediatric care within occupational therapy, as well as illustrative guidance to inform its practical application for occupational therapy assistants.

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to include new chapters on autism and trauma responsive care, and with a greater overall emphasis on occupational performance and participation. The book aligns with the fourth edition of the OT Practice Framework, as well as the AOTA 2020 Code of Ethics. Written in a succinct and straightforward style throughout, each chapter features brief vignettes drawn on the authors' own clinical experiences, case studies, and reflective activities designed to elicit discussion and exploration into the unique world of pediatric occupational therapy theory and practice. This edition also includes a new feature, ‘In My Words’, charting the experiences of caregivers and children themselves.

Including chapters from some of the leading practitioners in the field, and featuring color photos throughout, this will be a key resource for any occupational therapy assistant student or practitioner working with children and their caregivers.

Jan Hollenbeck, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, has practiced in public school and community pediatric settings for more than 30 years as both an occupational therapist and a special education administrator. Dr. Hollenbeck has presented extensively at local, state, and national levels and shares her expertise in school practice, secondary transition, and leadership through professional development, consultation, and authoring. She is co-founder of the Partnership for Advancement of School Service-Providers (PASS), providing professional development and consultation in areas that inform and empower related service providers and facilitate the success of children in educational settings. Dr. Hollenbeck is the MAOT liaison to the MA Department of Education and first author of the Guidelines for Provision of Occupational Therapy in Massachusetts Schools. She served on the AOTA Early Intervention and Schools SIS Committee and co-facilitates the AOTA State Leaders in School Practice Community of Practice. Dr. Hollenbeck was named to the AOTA Roster of Fellows for "Innovative Practice, Inspired Leadership, and Impassioned Advocacy."

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, FAOTA, is an affiliate associate professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Landscape Architecture and is principal of Amy Wagenfeld | Design. She is also the co-director of the Learning Network of the Nature and Health Alliance. After many years of pediatric occupational therapy practice, and acknowledging her love of nature and design, she shifted her focus to collaborative therapeutic outdoor space design and program development. Her most meaningful design projects are those intended to improve the lives of children and the adults who love and care for them. Published widely and the recipient of numerous national and international awards for her work in occupational therapy and landscape architecture, Dr. Wagenfeld is the co-author of  Nature-Based Strategies for Allied Health Practitioners, The Nature of Inclusive Play Space Design, and Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces. Dr. Wagenfeld was named to the AOTA Roster of Fellows for “Interprofessional Occupations-ased Therapeutic Garden Design Across Lifespans” and received a Recognition of Honor award from the American Occupational Therapy Association and an American Society of Landscape Architects Outstanding Service Award.