Ann Kennedy-Behr

Professional Summary: Professor Ann Kennedy-Behr

Professor Ann Kennedy-Behr is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of South Australia, recognized for her expertise in occupational therapy, child development, and family-centered interventions. With a career spanning clinical practice, research, and education, she has made significant contributions to understanding sensory processing and its impact on children’s participation and well-being.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Kennedy-Behr holds advanced qualifications in occupational therapy and related fields, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and clinical expertise. Specific details of her degrees include:

• PhD in Occupational Therapy, with a focus on sensory processing and child development (institution and year not publicly specified in accessible sources)
• Master’s degree in a related field (details not publicly specified)
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (details not publicly specified)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research primarily focuses on:

• Sensory processing and its influence on children’s behavior and participation
• Family-centered interventions in occupational therapy
• Play-based therapies and their role in child development
• Cross-cultural perspectives in pediatric occupational therapy

Career History and Appointments

Professor Kennedy-Behr has held several significant positions in academia and clinical practice, including:

• Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of South Australia, School of Health Sciences
• Previous academic and clinical roles in occupational therapy internationally, including positions in Switzerland and Germany (specific institutions not publicly detailed)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not extensively documented in publicly available sources, Professor Kennedy-Behr is recognized within her field for her contributions to occupational therapy research and education. Any notable accolades include:

• Recognition for contributions to pediatric occupational therapy research (specific awards not publicly listed)

Key Publications

Professor Kennedy-Behr has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Some of her notable works include:

• Kennedy-Behr, A., Rodger, S., & Mickan, S. (2013). 'Physical and social play of preschool children with and without coordination difficulties: A video observation study.' Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics.
• Kennedy-Behr, A., Rodger, S., & Mickan, S. (2011). 'A comparison of the play skills of preschool children with and without developmental coordination disorder.' OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health.
• Contributions to edited volumes on sensory processing and occupational therapy (specific titles not fully detailed in public sources).

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Kennedy-Behr’s work has had a notable impact on the field of occupational therapy, particularly in advancing the understanding of sensory processing challenges in children. Her research informs clinical practices and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the importance of play and family involvement in therapy. Her international experience also contributes to a broader, cross-cultural perspective in pediatric care.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details are limited in public records, Professor Kennedy-Behr is known to engage in:

• Presentations at international conferences on occupational therapy and child development
• Contributions to academic committees and professional organizations in her field (specific roles not publicly detailed)
• Peer review and editorial contributions to journals in occupational therapy (specific journals not listed in accessible sources)