An Exploration of Occupational Therapy Practices with Children and Adolescents Experiencing Complex Trauma: An Irish Perspective

Abstract

Complex trauma has considerable impact on children and frequently results in the need for multidisciplinary intervention including occupational therapy. This study aimed to explore occupational therapy practice with children experiencing complex trauma in Ireland. Sixty occupational therapists participated in an anonymous online survey. School-based activities and sensory processing were identified as most frequently addressed in occupational therapy. Sensory-based therapy and parent-coaching are the most frequently used interventions in practice. There is an identified need for further trauma-specific training and resources to advance occupational therapy practice with this population. The results from this study are limited to therapists practicing in Ireland.