Preliminary mixed‐methods investigation: Impact and acceptability of a combined life skills and adventure therapy program for adolescents.

Introduction: Meaningful occupational therapy interventions for neurodivergent, transition‐age adolescents are understudied, and novel intervention approaches that are motivating to this population are needed. Accordingly, in this study we explored the acceptability and impact of a combined life skills/adventure therapy (LS/AT) intervention program for addressing self‐identified goals for adolescents with regulation‐ and sensory‐based challenges. Methods: We used a convergent mixed‐methods design. All adolescents accepted into the intervention program were invited to participate. We described our sample using data from the Child Occupational Self‐Assessment. Participants created and rated goals through a modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure interview before intervention, after intervention and 3 months post‐intervention and participated in semi‐structured interviews pre‐ and post‐intervention. We calculated COPM change scores, analysed qualitative interview data, and integrated findings into a joint display for interpretation following recommended procedures for mixed‐methods data. Results: Ten adolescents consented to participate (n = 6 males, n = 4 females; mean age 13.92 years, SD = 0.54). Mean COPM performance change scores were 3.72 (SD = 1.39) from pre‐ to post‐intervention and 2.40 (SD = 1.19) from pre‐ to 3 months post‐intervention, with the largest change scores for goals related to life skills. Data from semi‐structured interviews expanded on these findings, revealing that participants made changes related to being in the moment, finding a sense of purpose and achieving a sense of belonging. Participants reported high acceptability of the intervention. Conclusion: This exploratory research supports the use of combined LS/AT intervention with transition‐age adolescents experiencing sensory and regulation‐based limitations on participation. Preliminary data shows positive changes in performance and satisfaction in self‐identified goal areas as well as changes related to mindfulness, a personal sense of competence and relatedness. In practice, occupational therapists should consider integrating elements of this LS/AT intervention to support this population, including addressing life skills through engagement in unique and motivating activities. Key Points for Occupational Therapy: Life skills and adventure therapy elements can be combined as part of occupational therapy practice with adolescents.Occupational therapists can effectively use life skills/adventure therapy elements that capitalise on motivation to support transition‐age youth.Transition‐age youth value interventions that facilitate a sense of purpose and belonging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]