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PORTLAND, Maine

UNE Occupational Therapy students and the LEND Program embrace the world of Autism

Autism expo 2017

Occupational therapists have distinct value in helping children and families with everyday occupations. On April 20, 2017, students from the University of New England Occupational Therapy Department organized an expo, “Adaptive Occupation & Embracing the World of Autism,” to demonstrate the many ways OT can make a difference for people on the Autism spectrum.  

The students presented innovative projects and interventions for engagement of all children in education, daily routines, activities of daily living, play, improving motor skills and social participation. Occupational therapy evidence-based interventions for children, families, and professionals in the world of Autism were presented with hands-on displays and activities.

More than 120 students, professionals, family members and self-advocates attended the expo, which was open to the public. Karleen Frost of Embracing the World of Autism has collaborated with this event for seven years and this year Maine LEND (Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) provided a table for family centered partnerships. Elizabeth Crampsey, M.S., OTR/L, BCPR, coordinator of the Community Therapy Center, assistant clinical professor and Maine LEND Training Director Kate Loukas, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, clinical professor, provided the course structure for these events along with teaching assistants Kelsey Bennett and Megan Hood (M.S.O.T., ‘17). 

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

Lauren Nachatelo and Sidney Bast show off their innovative sensory space to help children self-regulate
Lauren Nachatelo and Sidney Bast show off their innovative sensory space to help children self-regulate

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.