Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Benson’s research focuses on school-based practice, specifically the participation and occupational performance of children with developmental disabilities. Her goal is to make an impact by researching best practices in an educational setting ensuring that children have the tools to fully participate in their educational, social, and community environments. As a scholar, her work investigates best practice in school based occupational therapy and illuminates the culture of school-based practice including the challenges, rewards, and relationship dynamics in these complex educational contexts. She has examined outcomes related to educational team intervention/collaboration and application of strategies in an educational environment in order to support participation in the school and to have an immediate impact on the lives of the children and the teams.

Education

  • Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Duquesne University
  • M.S., Motor Development, University of Pittsburgh 
  • B.S., Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh

Research Interests or Expertise

My research focus is in school based practice, sensory processing disorders and occupation. Specifically I am interested in the integration of occupation in pediatric practice and the occupational performance of children with sensory processing disorders.

School

About

Teaching Philosophy:  In occupational therapy, the historical definition of occupation is defined as "doing" (Nelson, 1988). My teaching philosophy is based on the core beliefs of occupational therapy.....we find meaning and purpose in the act of doing or engagement. Courses are delivered via interactive lectures and discussions and the opportunity for experiential learning or "doing" whenever possible.

Current Teaching:

  • OCCT 310 Occupational Performance Across the Lifespan (FTF and online)
  • OCCT 519 Neurological & Sensorimotor Function I (Peds)
  • OCCT 610-612: Research Project I, II, III
  • OCCT 635/645/655 Practice Scholar Project I, II, III

Past Teaching:

  • OCCT 670 Critical Analysis of Practice
  • OCCT 522 Intervention Seminar (developed course)
  • OCCT 651 Instructional Learning Theory & Technology II
  • OCCT 545 Occupational Performance Perspectives
  • OCCT 537 Human Motion & Movement (developed course)
  • OCCT 520 Neuromotor & Sensory Function
  • OCCT 502 Occupational Therapy Overview
  • OCCT 446 Cognitive & Perceptual Function
  • OCCT 305 Foundations & Concepts of Occupational Therapy

Projects/Grants

Current Projects

  • Benson, J.D. & Simpson, R.C. Chinese graduate health science students’ perceptions of teaching pedagogies on their educational experience (manuscript under review)
  • Benson, J.D., Estep, J., Gregoire, K., & Mayfield, H. A Phenomenological Study of the Transition Process for Families of Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) (data analysis and manuscript preparation)
  • Benson, J.D., Simpson, R., & Voelker, J. A retrospective analysis of alternate seating and the impact on classroom participation: A case study (IRB Preparation) 

Grants (Funded)

  • Benson, J.D. (2024) Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund. To support research on Parent Experiences with the Transition from Early Intervention. $10,000
  • Benson, J.D. (2021) The Charles Henry Leach II Foundation Grant. To support research on the Effectiveness of Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting for Improving Daily Living Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). $13,820
  • Benson, J.D. (2020) The Presidential Scholarship Award Grant. To support research on the impact of sensory activity schedules on during independent work time on the on-task behaviors of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). $5000
  • Benson, J.D. & Blaskowitz, M. (2019) The Charles Henry Leach II Foundation Grant. To support research on the transition process from the educational setting to adulthood for adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). $8240

Research Papers

  • Benson, J.D., *Cartwright, A., Szucs, K., Smitsky, D., Chippich, E, & Roebuck, L. (2024) The Effectiveness of Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting for Improving Daily Living Skills of Children with Autism, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78 (3) https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050514  
  • *de Castro, K.N., Benson, J.D., Thomas, H., Manual, V., & Mitra, S. (2023) Feasibility of Implementing a Modified SENSE Program to Increase Positive Sensory Experiences for Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A Pilot Study, Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 43 (1), 109-128. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2022.2104150  
  • Benson. J.D., Blaskowitz, M.G., *Collins, A., Smitsky, D., Chippich, E., & Connell, C. (2022) The effect of a Sensory Activity Schedule (SAS) on the on-task behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 15 (4), 439-454. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2021.2003734  
  • Benson, J.D., *Tokarski, R., Blaskowitz, M., & *Geubtner, A. (2021) A Phenomenological Study of the Transition Process for Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(3), https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.044289  
  • Benson, J.D., Donoso-Brown, E., *Blough, A. & Smitsky, D. (2020) The Effects of Sensorimotor Strategies on Attention and In-Seat Behavior in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention,  https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1732262
  • Benson, J.D.,* Morgus, K., Donoso Brown, E. & Smitsky, D. (2019): The Effect of Alternate Seating on Improving Attention and In-seat Behavior of Preschoolers with Autism: A Pilot Study, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 12 (4), 455-465 https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2019.1672606
  • Benson, J.D., *Breisinger, E. & *Roach, M. (2018) Sensory-based intervention in the schools: a survey of occupational therapy practitioners, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2018.1496872
  • Wallace, S. E. & Benson, J. D. (2018) Bringing Interprofessional Case-Based Learning into the Classroom for Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Students, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2017.1414975

Abstracts

  • *Cartwright, A., Benson, J.D., Szucs, K., & Smitsky, D. (2023) The Effectiveness of Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting for Improving Daily Living Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 77(Supplement_2), 7711510336p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO336                                                                                                                
  • Benson, J.D. & Blaskowitz, M. (2022) The Effect of a Sensory Activity Schedule (SAS) on the on-task behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/76/Supplement_1/7610510223p1/23571 
  • *Tokarski, R., Benson, J.D., & Geubtner, A.(2020) A Qualitative Study of the Transition from an Educational Setting to Adulthood for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7411515339, https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO3203 
  • *Layer, L. & Benson, J.D. (2020) Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Outcomes from the Application of an Adapted Alert Program, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7411515359. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO2126    
  • *Blough, A., Benson, J.D., Donoso-Brown, E., & Smitsky, D. (2019) The Effect of Sensorimotor Strategies on Attention and In-Seat Behavior in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(4), Supplement_1:7311520401 https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO2042

*denotes publications with Duquesne University students

Book Chapters

Benson, J.D. & Taylor, R.R. (2024) Chapter 14: Ensuring Ethical Research in R. Taylor (Ed), Kielhofner’s Research in Occupational Therapy: Methods of Inquiry for Enhancing Practice, Philadelphia: FA Davis

Crist, P., Munoz, J.P. Hansen, A.M.W., Benson, J., and Provident, I. (2012), The practice-scholar program: An academic-practice partnership to promote the scholarship of “best practices”, In P. Crist & G. Kielhofner (Eds.), The Scholarship of Practice: Academic collaborations for promoting occupational therapy (pp.71-94). New York: Routledge.

National

  • *Waros, K, & Benson, J. (contributing author) Power Play: The Feasibility of a Therapeutic Playgroup Program to Promote Developmental Skill Acquisition & Social Interaction Among Inpatient Children                                                                                                                                  Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association                                                                            Philadelphia, PA April, 2025
  • Benson, J.D. Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting: Evidence to support the Development of Daily Living Skills of Autistic Children & Youth                                                                                      Research Poster, Children & Youth Specialty Conference (AOTA)                                               Seattle, WA, December 2024                                                        
  • McHugh, J., Benson, J., Ram, S. & Alfawez, S. Why OT? Occupational Therapies Unique Role in Pediatric Specialty Areas                                                                                                         Conversations that Matter, American Occupational Therapy Association                                              Orlando, FL, March 2024  
  • Ram, S., McHugh, J., Baker, S. Parker, T, & Benson, J. Promoting education and evidenced based practice in pediatric setting: The Children & Youth Special Interest Section                                    Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association Association                                                      Orlando, FL, March 2024                                                         
  • *Cartwright, A., Benson, J.D., Szucs, K., & Smitsky, D. The Effectiveness of Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting for Improving Daily Living Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)                                                                                                                                                    Research Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association                                                      Kansas City, MO, April 2023                                                         
  • Benson, J.D. An Experiential Learning Lab Embedded in a Didactic Course                            Poster                                                                                                                                                    Innovation Summit for Health Professions Educators                                                                            Virtual, June 2022
  • *deCastro, K., Benson, J.D., Thomas, H., Manuel, V., & Mitra, S. Feasibility of Implementing the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) Program in the NICU                      Research Poster, National Association of Neonatal Therapists Conference                                    Cincinnati, OH, April 2022
  • Benson, J.D. The AOTA Experience: Ask the Expert                                                                        Conference Presentation/Engagement                                                                                           American Occupational Therapy Association                                                                                        San Antonio, TX, March, 2022
  • Benson, J.D. & Blaskowitz, M. The Effect of a Sensory Activity Schedule (SAS) on the on-task behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                            Research Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association                                                           San Antonio, TX, March, 2022
  • *deCastro, K., Benson, J.D., Thomas, H., Manuel, V., & Mitra, S. Implementing the SENSE Program to Increase Positive Sensory Exposure in the NICU                                                              Research Poster, Hot topics in Neonatology                                                                                        Virtual, December 2021
  • *Tokarski, R. & Benson J.D. A Qualitative Study of the Transition from an Educational Setting to Adulthood for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)                                        Webinar, AOTA Conference Alternate Presentations                                                                  Spring/Summer 2020
  • *Tokarski, R., Benson, J.D., Geubtner, A. & Blaskowitz, M. A Qualitative Study of the Transition from an Educational Setting to Adulthood for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)                                                                                                                                                  Research Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association                                                            Boston, MA, March 2020 (conference canceled due to COVID-19)
  • *Blough, A., Benson, J.D., Donoso-Brown, E. & Smitsky, D. Effects of Sensory Motor Activities on Attention to Task and Self-Stimulatory Behaviors in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                                                                                                                             Research Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association New Orleans, LA, April 2019
  • *Morgus, K., Benson, J.D., Donoso Brown, E., & Smitsky, D. Effects of alternate seating on attention & in seat behavior for children with Autism Research Poster, American Occupational Therapy Association Salt Lake City, Utah, April 2018

State

  • Cartwright, A. & Benson, J.D., Improving Participation in ADL’s: Video vs. Picture Prompts and Autism                                                                                                                               
         Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association                                                               Lancaster, PA October 2022                                         
  • Benson, J.D., Collins, A, Blaskowitz, M., Smitsky, D., Chippich, E., & Connell, C. The effect of a Sensory Activity Schedule (SAS) on the on-task behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                                                                                                                Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association                                                    Virtual, October 2021
  • *Tokarski, R., Benson, J.D., Geubtner, A. & Blaskowitz, M. A Qualitative Study of the Transition from an Educational Setting to Adulthood for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Valley Forge, PA, October 2019
  • *Blough, A., Benson, J.D., Donoso-Brown, E. & Smitsky, D. Effects of Sensory Motor Activities on Attention to Task and Self-Stimulatory Behaviors in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Pittsburgh, PA, October 2018
  • *Geubtner, A. & Benson, J.D. A Qualitative Study of the Transition from an Educational Setting to Adulthood for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Pittsburgh, PA, October 2018

Local

  • Benson, J.D. Sensory Integration: What is it and why does it matter? Duquesne University, SLP Department, Research-Clinical Practice Fall Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA, 2019
  • Benson, J.D. Sensory Challenges with Apraxia, Childhood Apraxia of Speech Intensive Training Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018
  • Delmonico, D. (Facilitator), Benson, J. and Prier, D. (panelists), IRB for Scholarship in Community Based Research and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Center for Teaching Excellence, Duquesne University, 2017

*denotes presentations with Duquesne University students

2023      Roster of Fellows, American Occupational Therapy Association

2022      Research Award, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association

2022      Rangos School of Health Sciences, Deans Award for Excellence in Teaching

2020      Presidential Scholarship Award, Duquesne University

2018      J. Warren Perry Distinguished Author Award, Association of Schools of Allied Health    Professions

Professional Certifications

Certified in Administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test

Certified Infant Massage Instructor

Trained-Treatment and Education of Autistic and other Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH)          

Board certified in pediatrics through the AOTA (1993-2007)                                                                                                 

NDT/Bobath certification course in the Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy