Date of Award

Spring 4-25-2025

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Lisa Ulmer, PhD

Second Advisor

Steven M. Gerardi, PhD, OTD, MSS, OTR

Third Advisor

Eric Hicks, PhD, MS, OTR

Medical Subject Headings

Intellectual or developmental disabilities, Sexual health education, Intimacy, Caregiving, Human rights, Disability advocacy, Independence, Activities of daily living

Abstract

Caregivers of care-recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have sufficient resources to assist their care-recipients with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This capstone considers the occupational and developmental impacts that growing individuals with IDD face, namely the developmental stages including healthy relationships, sexual safety, and intimacy. The literature review covers the scientific, statistical, and historical importance of this developmental milestone. Varied opinions and needs that surround the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships for adults with IDD were considered. Sexual abuse statistics were highlighted. A multitude of feedback from organizations, personal caregivers, scientists, psychologists, clinicians, social advocates, and people with an IDD have been evaluated in order to answer the call for increased resources in this area of expertise. Problem: Caregivers of people with IDD do not have sufficient resources to assist in preparing their care-recipients to deal with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create an educational video-series for caregivers of people with IDD on how to help their care-recipients successfully achieve the psychosocial developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This paper presents a video-series to advocate for, educate around, and increase support during the developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation for adults with IDD in hopes to increase safety, well-being, and quality of life. This paper presents a needs assessment, a literature review, the methods used, a project description, and a discussion. Links to the created video series and video scripts are included as appendices.

Comments

Capstone project submitted to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

Download

Share

COinS