University
Shawnee State University
Major
Masters of Occupational Therapy
Student Type
Graduate Student
Presentation Types
Poster Group Presentation (Live)
Keywords:
occupational therapy, pediatrics, toileting
Abstract
This retrospective study investigates the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in supporting toileting independence in children aged five and older with parent-reported toileting difficulties. A descriptive design was used to analyze retrospective data from an outpatient pediatric clinic, focusing on referral diagnoses, unintegrated primitive reflexes, and deficits in postural, sensory modulation, processing, and cognitive functioning. Of the 174 client evaluations reviewed, 17 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The most frequent deficits included proprioception/position sense under-responsiveness (82.35%), interoception dysfunction (76.47%), vestibular/movement sense under-responsiveness (70.59%), core muscle weakness/muscular dysfunction (70.50%), and active primitive reflexes (64.70%). Despite varied referral diagnoses, the results underscore the need for comprehensive OT evaluations that address the sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges contributing to toileting difficulties. Targeted, individualized interventions aimed at these specific deficits may enhance toileting independence in pediatric patients.
Human and Animal Subjects
no
IRB or IACUC Approval
yes
Faculty Mentor Name
Elizabeth Legg
Faculty Mentor Title
Adjunct Professor
Faculty Mentor Department
Rehabilitation Therapies
Recommended Citation
Berry, Cassidy; Joshi, Kavita; Jividen, Jonas; and Jensen, Rachel, "Occupational Therapy Evaluation Findings Regarding Parent-Reported Toileting Issues in Pediatric Patients Ages Five and Above in an Outpatient Facility: A Retrospective Study" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 9.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2025/posters/9
Location
Morris UC Lobby
Occupational Therapy Evaluation Findings Regarding Parent-Reported Toileting Issues in Pediatric Patients Ages Five and Above in an Outpatient Facility: A Retrospective Study
Morris UC Lobby
This retrospective study investigates the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in supporting toileting independence in children aged five and older with parent-reported toileting difficulties. A descriptive design was used to analyze retrospective data from an outpatient pediatric clinic, focusing on referral diagnoses, unintegrated primitive reflexes, and deficits in postural, sensory modulation, processing, and cognitive functioning. Of the 174 client evaluations reviewed, 17 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The most frequent deficits included proprioception/position sense under-responsiveness (82.35%), interoception dysfunction (76.47%), vestibular/movement sense under-responsiveness (70.59%), core muscle weakness/muscular dysfunction (70.50%), and active primitive reflexes (64.70%). Despite varied referral diagnoses, the results underscore the need for comprehensive OT evaluations that address the sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges contributing to toileting difficulties. Targeted, individualized interventions aimed at these specific deficits may enhance toileting independence in pediatric patients.
