About Sharon
I am an occupational therapist and an adjunct professor at Baylor University.
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I received my Masters in OT at NYU and am pursuing a PhD in occupational therapy at Nova Southeastern University.
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My research interests and areas are two-fold:
1) examining the object play in young children with autism from a strengths-based framework, and
2) exploring the concept of sensory health in neurodiverse adults
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My desire is to empower neurodiverse individuals to be more active participants in their lives. Neurodiverse individuals have significant strengths. When we cultivate their strengths and interests, they feel empowered to be present in their lives, and can resultingly experience well-being and peace.
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Relevant Publications
Popular Level Articles:
I provide a description of my approach towards mental health OT with neurodiverse individuals: sensory health
(Publication accepted and forthcoming 2024 in AOTA's OT Practice)
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The Regulating Benefit of Rituals
Autism Spectrum News. (January 10, 2024).
https://autismspectrumnews.org/the-regulating-benefit-of-rituals/
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Practice
Texas Occupational Therapy Association (May 2023). Mental Health Advocacy Article #3.
https://tota.memberclicks.net/mental-health-advocacy
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Autism Spectrum News. (June 25, 2021). Engagement in special interests influences well-being and provides employment opportunities in neurodiverse individuals. https://autismspectrumnews.org/engagement-in-special-interests-influences-well-being-and-provides-employment-opportunities-in-neurodiverse-individuals/
Relevant Academic Peer-Reviewed Publications:
IJAHSP 2023
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In Progress:
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Object Exploration in the Play of Young Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Scoping Review