HOT TOPIC: Beyond Meal Support: Advancing Occupational Therapy’s Role in Eating Disorder Treatment

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Course Description

This Hot Topic will provide a concise, practice-focused overview of how occupational therapy (OT) can more fully participate in eating disorder care across various levels of care. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that disrupt daily routines, role participation, identity, and engagement in meaningful occupations, and OT is well-positioned to address performance patterns, participation, and functional recovery in this population (AOTA, 2020; Mack et al., 2023). 

Clinicians will hear a clinically grounded articulation of OT’s distinct role, illustrated through examples related to routines, meal-related occupations, sensory and interoceptive experiences, social participation, coping, and re-engagement in meaningful activities (AOTA, 2020; Mack et al., 2023). In just 15 minutes, the session will highlight common practice gaps, share concrete intervention ideas, and offer language clinicians can use to advance OT’s role within interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment teams.

The 10-minute Q&A will invite attendees to share clinical experiences, problem-solve barriers to implementation, and identify realistic next steps to strengthen OT’s presence in their own settings. By centering practice-based dialogue, this session aims to spark discussion, build shared understanding, strengthen articulation of occupational therapy’s distinct value, and generate actionable ideas for evidence-informed practice, considering the substantial societal burden associated with eating disorders (Streatfeild et al., 2021).

Speakers

Kelly Farrell, OTR/L
Maddie Duzyk, OTR/L


Content Level

Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Mental Health