Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Megan Eads, OTR/L

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors (Autism Speaks, 2024). The level of support required to carry out activities of daily living can vary for neurodiverse individuals. According to the Center for Disease Control (2025), one in 31 children are diagnosed with Autism indicating an increase in prevalence. Occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to support individuals with Autism by helping them engage in meaningful occupations involving community mobility, such as air travel. In accordance with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework – 4 (OTPF-4), OTs can provide support to individuals with neurodiverse conditions in air travel by assessing client factors, performance skills, and the environment that both hinder and enable their experience to travel (2020). Often, families with Autistic individuals or other neurodiverse conditions may avoid traveling due to stressors it entails. Some stressors include lack of personal space, unfamiliarity of routines, and lack of understanding of airport personnel (Dempsey et al., 2021). The purpose of this capstone project is to bridge the gap in knowledge amongst airport personnel and families with neurodiverse children, while simultaneously educating students and employing a sensory-based protocol through a simulated flight event known as Ready to Fly.

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