Karen Johnson, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, CSRS
Mental and Behavioral Health | Audience Level: Introductory
Many individuals living with cancer-related cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions experience subtle cognitive and sensory changes that significantly impact participation, daily function, and quality of life. Because these challenges are often invisible, they may go unrecognized, leading to reduced confidence, participation restrictions, and delayed intervention. This interactive workshop will equip occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) with practical strategies to identify functional cognitive and sensory changes, integrate lived experience into clinical reasoning, and apply person-centered approaches that uphold dignity and participation. Through case studies and discussion, participants will strengthen assessment, intervention, and advocacy skills that support earlier recognition of cognitive challenges and advance occupational therapy’s role in promoting equitable, human-centered care. Participants will also be introduced to a practical functional cognition framework that supports earlier recognition, stronger clinical reasoning, and participation-focused intervention across practice settings.