Membership
Gretchen Reeves
PhD, OT, FAOTA
Associate Professor
PhD - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
MOT - Western Michigan University
MA - Michigan State University
BS - Michigan State University
355 Marshall Office
313 Marshall Main
734.487.3236 Office
734.487.4096 Main
734.487.4095 Fax
Research Interests
My experience as a pediatric occupational therapist has often involved interactions and intervention with children who display serious behavioral dysregulation due to stress and hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli. I am particularly interested in how occupational therapists facilitate appropriate responses in infants and young children at risk for learning and emotional impairments. Psychophysiological measures were incorporated into 2 previous investigations with children with autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, I have pursued investigations of the effects of therapeutic intervention on the occupations of feeding, handwriting and play in young children. Play is an occupation that is often aberrant in children on the autism spectrum. I have examined the role of play in engaging children on the spectrum with positive results on affect and language.
Publications
Patterson, J. & Reeves, G.D. (in preparation). The Effects of a Weighted Vest for Children with Attention Difficulties: A Replication Study
Reeves, G.D. (September 2009). Mirror neurons and their potential role in human performance and behavior. Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association Newsletter.
Reeves, G.D. (2007). Looking back on 30 years of the SI SIS: Achievements and Challenges. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly, 30 (4), 1-4.
Reeves, G.D. and
Reeves, G.D. (2001). Sensory stimulation, sensory integration and the adaptive response. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly. Vol. 24, No. 2.
Benoit, W.A. and Reeves, G.D. (2001). Effect of jaw and cheek support on nutritional intake. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 21: 49-58.
Reeves, G.D. (2001). From neuron to behavior: Regulation, arousal and attention as important substrates for the process of sensory integration. In Roley, S.S., Blanche, E. & Schaff, R. (Eds). Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations.
Professional Posters
Walsh, M. & Reeves, G.D. (2009) Physiologic Measures of Sensory Processing in Adolescent Girls with Major Mood Disorders. Undergraduate Symposium. Eastern Michigan
Abbott, KA. & Reeves, G.D. (2001). Comparison of communicative acts between infants who are typically developing and children diagnosed with autism. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual conference.
Peer Reviewed Presentations
Reeves, G.D. (2003). The power of proprioception. Paper presented at the Sensory Integration World Congress, South African Institute for Sensory Integration.
Reeves, G.D. (2002) Neurobiological consequences of distress: Implications for adaptive behavior. Paper accepted for presentation at the 13th World Congress, World Federation of Occupational Therapists,
Reeves, G.D. & Schaaf , R. (2002) Maintain your brain. Annual Conference. American Occupational Therapy Association.
Reeves, G.D. (2001) Stress and the Brain: Impact on Occupational Performance. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference. Philadelphia,
Invited Presentations
Reeves, G.D. (October 2009). Neuro-developmental Treatment Association Annual Specialty Conference. Focus on the Upper Extremity. Keynote Address. White Plains, NY.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Emotional, autonomic and sensory links to Oral-motor function. 11th Annual School-based Occupational and Physical Therapy Institute.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Play is the Way: Treating kids with autism. 11th Annual School-based Occupational and Physical Therapy Institute.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Hands, head and heart: The OT’s art. Keynote Address. National
Reeves, G.D. (2002). Neuroplasticity: The brain advantage. COP Early Childhood Conf.
Reeves, G.D. (2000) Brain gain: The implications of Neuroplasticity for Learning & Memory.
Reeves, G.D. (2000). Sensory integration principles: Implications for Attention & Communication in Children with autistic spectrum disorders.
International Presentations
Reeves, G.D. (July 2009). Developing clinical Reasoning skills.
Reeves, G.D. Smith, K., Urwin, R., Double, A. (July 2009). Sensory Integration Theory and Intervention for Adults: Module 1.
Reeves, G.D. (April 2009) Neuroscience Foundations of Sensory Integration. Western Psychological Services/University of southern
Reeves, G.D. (January 2009) Neuroscience Foundations of Sensory Integration. Western Psychological Services/University of southern
Reeves, G.D. (July 2007/July 2008). Developing clinical Reasoning skills.
Reeves, G.D. (August 2006). Evaluation and Assessment of Sensory Integration dysfunction. WPS/USC Course II for Certification in Sensory Integration. Presented at The
Reeves, G.D. (August 2006). Neuroscience Foundations of Sensory Integration. WPS/USC Course I for Certification in Sensory Integration. Presented at The
Reeves, G.D. (July 2006). Theoretical and Treatment Principles of Sensory Integration. Sponsored by Otago Polytechnic Institute,
Reeves, G.D. (July 2006). Praxis Makes Perfect. Sponsored by Otago Polytechnic Institute,
Reeves, G.D. (July 2006). Play is the Way: Interventions for Children with Autism. Sponsored by Otago Polytechnic Institute,
Reeves, G.D. (June 2006) Applying Sensory Integration Principles To Intervention: a demonstration seminar. Royal Free Hospital,
Reeves, G.D. (2004). Functional neuroscience: Paediatric Applications. Sponsored by the National Health Trusts of
Reeves, G.D. & Giddan, J.J. (2004). Scaffolds and stepping stones: Strategies toward success in autism. Sponsored by the National Health Trust of
Reeves, G.D. & Giddan, J.J. (2003). Scaffolds and stepping stones: Strategies toward success in autism. Sponsored by the Royal Free Hospital.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Sensory Integration Theory.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Using Play and Child-Centered Approaches in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Reeves, G.D. (2003). Sensory Integration Treatment Intensive Course.
Reeves, G.D. (2002). Functional neuroscience: Paediatric Applications. Sponsored by the Children’s Learning Tree.
Reeves, G.D. & Giddan, J.J. (2002). Scaffolds and stepping stones: Strategies toward success in autism. Sponsored by the National Health Service of
Reeves, G.D. (2002) A program in sensory integration: Course 1. Sponsored by the Matilda Child Centre and Western Psychological Services.
Reeves, G.D. (2001). Theoretical Foundations of Sensory Integration.
Reeves, G.D. (2001) Sensory Integration Theory and Practice. An 8-day seminar and practicum series for Occupational and Physical Therapists.
Reeves, G.D. (2001). Current Concepts in Sensory Integration Theory and Practice. A one-day seminar providing practitioners with updated information related to sensory integration.
Reeves, G.D. (2001) Sensory Integration Theory and Practice. An 8-day seminar and practicum series for Occupational and Physical Therapists.
Reeves, G.D. (2001) Introduction to Sensory Integration Theory. A two-day overview of the principles of sensory integration for occupational, physical and speech therapists.
Reeves, G.D. (2000) Paediatric Neuroscience.
Reeves, G.D. (2000). The Vestibular System: Anatomical and Clinical Considerations. Lecture and case study presentation. For occupational and physical therapists. Royal Free Hospital,
Reeves, G.D. (2000) Sensory Integration and Autism. Royal Free Hospital,
National Presentations
June 2008: Reeves, G.D. Evaluation and Assessment of Sensory Integration dysfunction. WPS/USC Course for Certification in Sensory Integration. May 2000: Issues of Sensory Processing, Modulation and Integration in Autism. Betty Cox Associates, Chicago, Illinois
Awards/Honors
Marshall Award for Teaching Excellence, College of
University Faculty Research Fellowship Award, EMU, for “Sensory Processing, Body Awareness & Self Concept in Adolescent Girls with Major depression”. 2006-2007. ($1200).
CHHS-Sponsored Support for Scholarly Activity Award, Eastern
eFellows Award, Sponsored by Faculty Development and ICT,
Named to Who’s Who of American Women, 2000-2001. March 2000.
Committees
Co-chair, Occupational Therapy Curriculum Committee, 2002 to present. Eastern Michigan University
Member, Instructor Training and Course Development Committee.
CHHS Human Subjects Review Committee, 2002-2005, Eastern Michigan University. Interim chair, 2008-9.
Chair, Occupational Therapy Faculty Search Committee, 2003-2004; 2007-2008. Eastern Michigan University.
CHHS representative to Eastern Michigan University. Academic Integrity Committee, 2002-2005, 2005-2008.
Collaborated with Eastern Michigan University Programs in Continuing Education to organize and sponsor: Discovering the Power of Play: Integrated playgroups to support children on the autism spectrum. May 2005.
Graduate Council, AHP (SHS) representative, 2001-2005. Eastern
Interdisciplinary Committee for Certificate Program in Autism. A Michigan Department of Education grant to









