Kathryn A. Ewell, MSEd, OT-RL, BCBA

Behavior Analyst

Ms. Kathryn A. Ewell is a Behavior Analyst in Sparks, MD with special training and skill in improving patients' quality of life by helping to adjust their behaviors. As a Behavior Analyst, Kathryn A. Ewell, MSEd, OT-RL, BCBA performs behavioral assessments, patient parent education, and liaisons with other mental health professionals. Behavior Analysis is a medical specialty centered on improving patients' mental or physical behavioral health by applying the principles of behavioral psychology to structured treatment plans. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Behavior Analysts include autism, drug addiction, eating disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and congenital birth defects. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Behavior Analysts include conducting research and behavior assessments, participating in one-on-one therapy sessions with patients, and formulating and overseeing treatment plans to adjust patient behavior for positive goal achievement.

A behavior analyst is qualified by at least a master's degree and Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification and/or a state-issued credential (such as a license) to practice behavior analysis independently. Behavior analysts provide the required supervision to assistant behavior analysts and behavior technicians. A behavior analyst delivers services consistent with the dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Common services may include, but are not limited to, conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing data, writing and revising behavior-analytic treatment plans, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing implementation of treatment plans.

Pediatrics Occupational Therapist

Ms. Kathryn A. Ewell is a Pediatrics Occupational Therapist in Sparks, MD with special training and skill in helping physically or mentally disabled children develop cognitive, motor, social, and self-care skills. As a Pediatrics Occupational Therapist, Kathryn A. Ewell, MSEd, OT-RL, BCBA performs educational and physical learning exercises with children disabled by injury or illness. Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a medical specialty dedicated to helping disabled children gain personal independence by improving sensory, motor, visual perception, and social interaction skills. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Pediatric Occupational Therapists include impairments resulting from birth injuries or defects, sensory processing disorders, traumatic injuries, autism, childhood arthritis, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, and many other conditions that affect children's motor and learning skills. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Pediatric Occupational Therapists include play therapy, handwriting exercises, motor planning, gross motor coordination, sensory modulation, visual perception skills, and parental education.

Occupational therapists provide services to infants, toddlers and children who have or who are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Occupational therapy is concerned with a child's ability to participate in daily life activities or "occupations." Occupational therapists use their unique expertise to help children with social-emotional, physical, cognitive, communication, and adaptive behavioral challenges and to help children to be prepared for and perform important learning and school-related activities and to fulfill their rule as students. Through an understanding of the impact of disability, illness, and impairment on a child's development, plan, ability to learn new skills, and overall occupational performance, occupational therapists design interventions that promote healthy development, establish needed skills, and/or modify environments, all in support of participation in daily activities.