Introduction / Rationale: : Behavioral regulation and praxis skills are both crucial to childhood participation and performance in occupation, and both may be addressed through participation in occupational therapy provided in an outdoor camp environment.
Objectives: This study examines the impact of a 5-day outdoor camp with integrated occupational therapy on behavioral regulation and praxis in 36 children with diverse sensory processing, praxis, and behavioral differences.
Methods / Approach: : Pre-test/post-test retrospective cohort design. Data were drawn from two parent-report questionnaires completed 3 months pre and 3 months post camp: the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 and the Sensory Processing Measure. Findings: Linear mixed modelling revealed an association between behavioral regulation and praxis throughout the 6-month timespan. Paired samples t-tests showed significant change in praxis and positive non-significant change in behavioral regulation.
Results / Practice Implications: Linear mixed modelling revealed an association between behavioral regulation and praxis throughout the 6-month timespan. Paired samples t-tests showed significant change in praxis and positive non-significant change in behavioral regulation.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Practitioners should consider contexts and factors contributing to children’s praxis and behavioral regulation skills, as well as the interface between the two skills. The use of outdoor camps should be considered in occupational therapy intervention for enhancing children’s praxis abilities, as well as participation and performance in occupations.