Child & Caregiver Toolkit: Cultivating Self-Regulation After ACEs

Authors

Lauren MorettiFollow

Files

Capstone Abstract

The Caregiver and Child Collaboration Toolkit: Cultivating Self-Regulation After ACEs focused on supporting children at GLAD House, a mental health treatment facility serving youth ages 5–12 impacted by parental substance abuse. These children experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), contributing to challenges in self-regulation, group participation, and healthy decision-making. This doctoral capstone aimed to enhance support through trauma-informed and collaborative approaches to enhance continuity of care. The project involved interviewing professionals to identify effective self-regulation strategies, developing visual and sensory supports for GLAD House, and connecting with local organizations to increase awareness of available community resources. These findings informed the creation of an educational module designed to strengthen communication among staff and providers, promoting consistent strategies and shared language to support children and caregivers. Project outcomes reflected three primary components. First, clinical observations informed comprehensive sensory support recommendations for group rooms, the sensory room, recess bin, and gross motor bin, which were compiled into a prioritization slideshow and Excel sheet used for future grant funding with one grant submitted during the capstone. Second, interviews exploring interprofessional perspectives on self-regulation and collaboration shaped the educational module, which incorporated ACEs education, evidence-based self-regulation frameworks, and community resources. Third, participation in resource tours and meetings resulted in a curated list of local services for caregivers and providers. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of accessible sensory tools, consistent language, and strengthened interprofessional collaboration to better support children who have experienced trauma.

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Key Terms

children, adverse childhood experiences

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Student Contact

email: laurenmoretti12@gmail.com

Recommended Citation

Moretti, Lauren, "Child & Caregiver Toolkit: Cultivating Self-Regulation After ACEs" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 15.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/ot_capstone/15