Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy (CP), learning disabilities, and impairments of hearing and vision. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often exhibit deficits in communication skills, maintaining eye contact, emotional regulation, and social integration. Additionally, children with neurodevelopmental disorders may display restricted interests, reduced engagement in everyday activities, and repeptitive behaviors. Various modalities utilized in pediatric occupational therapy include sensory integration therapy, vision therapy, and neuro-developmental treatment (NDT). Recently, a growing interest has occurred in animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which has shown effectiveness in enhancing social skills, addressing sensory processing deficits, and in adressing other related issues. Animal-assisted therapy involves skilled health professionals working within specialized treatment areas while integrating animals to achieve therapeutic objectives. This capstone is a business plan for an occupational therapy practice servicing the pediatric population. The practice will utilize evidence-based, client-centered interventions and programs employing occupational therapy services and animal-assisted therapy to enhance occupational engagement, participation, and improve maladaptive behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
