ND & Puberty:
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Support for Neurodivergent Adolescents During Puberty
Providing intervention guidelines and educational resources to support therapists, caregivers, and kids through puberty.
| The purpose of this capstone project is to increase individual and social network understanding of puberty and sexual development in ND adolescents in order to improve occupational therapists’ ability to deliver SRHE and enhance the quality of puberty-related OT interventions, thus improving occupational participation and performance for ND adolescents. |
| This capstone project addresses the occupational disruptions experienced by neurodivergent (ND) adolescents during puberty—especially in areas like sensory processing, emotional regulation, social connection, menstruation, and sexual behavior. The project aims to improve occupational therapy understanding and response to these challenges through clinic-based observations, staff training, and the development of intervention guidelines and educational materials. The student will partner with Gather & Grow Therapy Services, a neurodiversity-affirming clinic, to observe current OT practices, deliver provider education, and co-create sustainable, evidence-informed interventions. |
| The goal of this capstone project is to enhance the capacity of occupational therapists at Gather & Grow Therapy Services to provide affirming, client-centered support to ND adolescents by improving understanding of puberty-related challenges, increasing access to educational resources, and developing interventions for a wider range of puberty-related occupational barriers. |
-
Meet Emma
Hi, I’m Emma! I am a graduate student working towards my doctorate degree in occupational therapy at Colorado State University. I am passionate about supporting neurodivergent and disabled youth using ND-affirming and trauma-informed approaches.
As an autistic and ADHD person with extensive experience supporting the disabled community, I am uniquely familiar with the barriers puberty can present for ND youth.
This capstone project is driven by my passion to provide resources and strategies that empower ND adolescents and their teams to navigate puberty with confidence, dignity, and support. I’m so glad you’re here!
Wondering where to go next?
Interested in discovering how neurodiversity and puberty intersect? Come learn more about how puberty shows up in neurodiverse kids!
Are you a therapist looking to help your neurodivergent clients navigate puberty challenges? Check out our intervention guidelines and activity templates to support your clients every step of the way!
Are you a parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent kid? We’ve got you covered with education and resources to help you support them through puberty.
Are you a ND kid curious about puberty? Or are you already going through it and feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry—you can find resources to help you understand and navigate this tricky time.