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PORTLAND, Maine

OT students showcase their adaptive work at Autism Expo

OT students Christina McLaughlin, Emma Robidoux, Kassidy Towne and Hannah Reidman presented on sensory approaches at the Autism
OT students Christina McLaughlin, Emma Robidoux, Kassidy Towne and Hannah Reidman presented on sensory approaches at the Autism Expo.

On April 18, the Occupational Therapy program and the Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)  hosted an Expo event in Innovation Hall that highlighted evidence-based interventions for children and families living with autism by showcasing the creative adaptive work of occupational therapy students. The projects were culminations from two different courses during the students’ pediatric coursework.

The event was attended by more than 134 people, including members of the UNE community as well as the community at large. Expo stations addressed interventions to facilitate occupational performance of play, eating and feeding, family centered practice, and the use of visual systems to facilitate daily routines at home and school.  

This annual event is an opportunity for fifty-two first year MSOT students to display innovative projects including adaptive music, sensory explorations, dress up, equine assisted activities, social skills, play, and adapted yoga. Adaptive projects were developed specifically for children at the Morrison Center, Portland Public Schools, PSL/Strive, Developmental Therapy Services School and many other community venues in the local area, as well as beyond. Expo stations were designed to help students, professionals, children, and families embrace the world of individuals on the autism spectrum and understand the many evidence-based interventions that facilitate participation in occupations. 

“The students embraced the opportunity to understand children and families living with autism and offered a tremendous hands-on experience for the community,” said Loukas. 

Faculty advisors for this event were Assistant Clinical Professor Elizabeth Crampsey, Ed.D., M.S., OTR/L, BCPR; Clinical Professor and Maine LEND Training Director Kathryn Loukas, OTD/M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA; and Adjunct Professor Stacy Maguire, OTR/L. Erica White (MSOT, ’19) and Rebecca Lanham (MSOT, ’19) served as teaching assistants.

Kylie Copland shows off the custom “Connect Four” game she made for a client.
Kylie Copland shows off the custom “Connect Four” game she made for a client.
The Structured Activity and Behavior station was presented by McGyver Poulin, Ralph Meckstroth, Samantha Gillenwater and Stacey
The Structured Activity and Behavior station was presented by McGyver Poulin, Ralph Meckstroth, Samantha Gillenwater and Stacey Beatty.

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.