Title: Restoring Rest: Developing Occupational Therapy Programming for Pediatric Sleep
Date: 2025-08-17
Author/Creator: Schulz, Keanna M.
Abstract: Introduction: Sleep is foundational for child development and a preventative factor for physical and mental health issues, yet up to 75% of neurodivergent children experience sleep insufficiency. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) interventions effectively improve sleep outcomes; however, many pediatric OTs do not feel competent or adequately supported in addressing this area of occupation. Purpose: This project aimed to fill a critical gap in pediatric OT practice through the development and evaluation of sleep programming for caregivers and OTs at Rainbow Tree Therapies, a pediatric, nature-based clinic. The programming was developed with the goal of improving OT competence and confidence in effectively addressing pediatric sleep concerns. Approach: Informed by a scoping review and needs assessment, this project involved the development of four caregiver educational tools and three sleep assessment and intervention guidelines for OTs. Pre- and post-program implementation surveys completed by the OTs at Rainbow Tree provided the data required to analyze the efficacy of the programming. Outcomes: The implementation of sleep programming at Rainbow Tree Therapies improved OT confidence and capacity to assess and address pediatric sleep, improved the OTs' overall perception of the clinic’s capacity to treat sleep, and increased the frequency of sleep assessment and intervention use. The program materials were perceived to have a strong capacity for knowledge translation and ease of use, with the potential to positively impact all activities of daily living (ADL). 2 Discussion: The implementation of structured sleep programming and guidelines effectively improved the OTs’ ability to assess and address pediatric sleep concerns at Rainbow Tree Therapies. In addition to reinforcing OT’s unique role in pediatric sleep, the programming will likely enhance clinic efficiency, care consistency, and client sleep outcomes.
Advisor: Heather Beth Johnson, OTD, OTR/L
Department/School: Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy
Degree Name: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
