Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with IDD: A Systematized Review

Authors

Jenna Banzhaf, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Emily Cummings, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Bethany Krenzer, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Kamryn Pokorney, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Danielle Westmark, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Stacy Smallfield, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Molly Whitlow, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow

Files

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioning to adulthood often receive minimal support, resulting in challenges with education, employment, and independent living. This systematized review aimed to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to aid a smoother transition to adulthood for individuals with IDD. By analyzing existing research, this study identified evidence-based OT strategies to promote independence, self-determination, and community participation.

Design: A systematized review of synthesized results from peer-reviewed studies that examined transition-related interventions for individuals with IDD. Articles were included if they address programs, skills, or approaches within the scope of OT.

Method: A medical librarian performed searches in Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus, yielding 299 articles. Articles were screened by two reviewers, and consensus meetings were held to check for agreement. Data from articles were extracted into an evidence table to summarize population characteristics, intervention details, outcomes, and levels of evidence. The research team developed themes, appraised evidence quality, and identified gaps for OT practice and further research as well as used the US Preventive Services Task force definitions to characterize the strength of evidence and provide clinical recommendations.

Results: There were 9 articles ranging from randomized clinical trials, feasibility and intervention evaluation studies, practice guidelines, tool development studies, and review articles. One IB and one IIIB study found moderate evidence for self-determination and self-advocacy interventions. A level IB, IIIB, V study provided moderate evidence for life skills and daily living training . A, IIIB article found low evidence for technology-based and e-health interventions. One IIB and one IV study found low evidence for community and social participation. One IV article found low evidence for systems-level and programmatic models.

Conclusion: To support individuals with IDD transitioning to adulthood, OTs can consider providing self-determination and self-advocation skills education and life skills and daily living training routinely and technology-based or e-health supports, community participation programs, and systems level or programmatic models on a case-by-case basis.

Impact Statement: This review can guide practice by providing evidence about interventions to promote independence, self-determination, and participation in individuals with IDD during their transition to adulthood.

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

2025 Copyright, the authors

Recommended Citation

Banzhaf, Jenna; Cummings, Emily; Krenzer, Bethany; Pokorney, Kamryn; Westmark, Danielle; Smallfield, Stacy; and Whitlow, Molly, "Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with IDD: A Systematized Review" (2025). Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy. 24.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_ot_sysrev/24