Dr. Abigail Carroll, PhD, MS, OTR/L, has expertise centered around Changing Criterion Designs (CCDs)—a process-driven research methodology—which was the topic of her recent talk at the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series. Her presentation, Occupational-Centered Inquiry: Practical Application of Theory and Changing Criterion Design Methodologies in Intervention and Education Research, captivated her audience with its depth and applicability.
Drawing from over 23 years of professional experience working with diverse individuals and families, particularly those impacted by autism spectrum disorders, Dr. Carroll’s research exemplifies her dedication to enhancing lives through occupational-centered inquiry. Her seminar topic helped attendees understand:
- The meaning of occupational-centered inquiry and its significance
- The value of transactional perspectives of occupation for guiding contextualized intervention and education research
- Changing Criterion Design methodologies as a tool for advancing occupational-centered research
- Applications of CCDs at both client constellation and group levels
- Future opportunities for expanding these innovative approaches
Dr. Carroll also shared insights from her study on early intervention for families with children on the autism spectrum. She underscored the critical role of early intervention in equipping families with adaptive capabilities, stating, “Social skills are the gateway to understanding our world. A goal should be harmonious and balanced interactions with society.”
She is an inspiring educator, occupational therapist, and occupational scientist whose innovative work transforms the field. With a PhD in Occupational Science and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Carroll brings knowledge and experience to Duke's OTD program, where she has been a valued team member since 2021. Before joining Duke, she completed a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship focused on interdisciplinary leadership in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), promoting research-practice partnerships for evidence-based outcomes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her work continues to push boundaries in occupational therapy, blending theory with practical application and empowering individuals and families to thrive. Dr. Carroll’s contributions to the Duke OTD community and the broader field of rehabilitative research are transformative.