Faculty & Staff

Beth Pfeiffer
Ph.D., OTR/L, BCP

Dr. Pfeiffer earned a B.A. in Psychology and Special Education from Arcadia University, an M.S. in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in pediatrics from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy teaching pediatric courses and mentoring research in the entry-level and post-professional occupational therapy programs. Dr. Pfeiffer coordinates the distance education post-professional programs in the department.

Dr. Pfeiffer is currently involved in both qualitative and quantitative research examining the impact on participation and quality of life of sensory modulation and affective disorders on adults and children with Asperger Syndrome. She also researches of the effectiveness of a sensory-based treatment model in children and adults with pervasive developmental disorders and psychosocial issues, along with the effectiveness of interventions to address sensory defensiveness in adult populations. Dr. Pfeiffer maintains her clinical practice in the area of pediatrics. She is certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests and has completed the pediatric NDT training.

Publications

Pfeiffer, B., Kinnealey, M., Reed, C., & Herzberg, G. (2005). Sensory modulation and affective disorders in children with Asperger Syndrome. American Journal of Occupational Therapy .59, 335-345.

Pfeiffer, B. (2004). Pervasive developmental disorders. In M. Kinnealey, D. Weiss, & M. Morgan (Eds.), A practitioners guide to clinical occupational therapy (pp. 33-50). San Antonio, TX: PsychCorp.

Pfeiffer, B. & Kinnealey, M. (2003). Treatment of sensory defensive adults.
Occupational Therapy International, 10, 175-184.

Pfeiffer, B. (2002, March). The impact of dysfunction in sensory integration on occupations in childhood through adulthood: A case study. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly, 25, 1-2.

Pfeiffer, B. (1996, September/October). Sensory defensiveness in adults. Penn Point, 3.

Presentations

Model of Intervention for Sensory Processing Disorders and Goal Attainment Scaling Pediatric Therapy Associates of the Lehigh Valley, P.C.

September 29, 2006

Sensory Processing Disorders in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: Evidence to Support Intervention

Thomas Jefferson University Conference

June 23, 2006

Learning Disabilities and Sensory Integration
Pennsylvania State Learning Disability Conference, Harrisburg, PA
October 16, 2004

Sensory Modulation and Affective Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome
ASCEND, Delaware County, PA
December, 2003

Social Skills Interventions: An Interdisciplinary Approach: Short Course
American Occupational Therapy Association’s National Conference Washington D. C.
June, 2003

Neurobiological Foundations of Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration International, Arlington, VA
March, 2003

Behavioral Problems: Underlying Sensory/Communication Issues
Pediatric Therapy Associates of the LeHigh Valley, P.C.
January, 2002

Evidenced-Based Practice Using a Sensory Integration Approach: Panel
American Occupational Therapy Association's National Conference
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April, 2001

Sensory Integration and Autism
Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (SAFE Inc.)
Dallas, Pennsylvania
March, 2001

Occupational Therapy in the Schools and in the Clinic
Vanguard School: Paoli, Pennsylvania
June, 1998

Sensory Defensiveness in Adults: Short Course
American Occupational Therapy Association’s National Conference
Baltimore, Maryland
April, 1998