Claudia Hilton, PhD, OTR, MBA, FAOTA
Professor

Curriculum Vitae Google Scholar ResearchGate Scopus

Teaching Areas of Interest

Research, pediatrics, leadership, conceptual framework

Research Interests

Executive function, autism spectrum disorders, participation, intervention

Biography

Claudia Hilton, PhD, OTR, MBA, FAOTA is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the UTMB School of Health Professions. Dr. Hilton received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Evansville, a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, and a post-doctoral fellowship and a Certificate in Clinical Investigation from Washington University in St. Louis and has extensive occupational therapy practice experience.

Participation in activities is how children develop an understanding of the expectations of society and gain the physical and social skills needed to function and flourish. It plays an important role in a child’s social development and influences long-term mental and physical health. Dr. Hilton has focused her research in these areas. She has received several grants, has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks and has presented her work at regional, national, and international conferences.

Grants & Funding

• 2019 - 2021
  • Study: Building Long-term Academic Success Through Ongoing Fun Fitness (BLASTOFF) at Odyssey Academy
  • Source: UTMB President’s Cabinet Award, $38,500
  • Role: Co-Investigator
• 2019 - 2020
  • Study: Activity Participation Predictors in Children with Disabilities
  • Source: American Occupational Therapy Foundation, $50,000
  • Role: Principal Investigator

Notable Publications

• Hilton CL, Ratcliff K, & Hong I. (2021). Participation difficulties in autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities: Findings from the 2011 Survey of Pathway to Diagnosis and Services. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51, 1210-1223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04591-4
• Bynum, R., Garcia, O., Herbst, E., Kossa, M., Liou, K., Cowan, A., & Hilton, C. (2021). Effects of dry needling on spasticity and range of motion: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 7501205030.  https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.041798
• Ratcliff K & Hilton C. (2021). Leisure participation patterns for school age youth with autism. In F. Volkmar (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, New Delhi, Delhi: Springer.
• Hilton CL & Kramer J. (2020). Interventions to promote social participation for children and adolescents. In J. O’Brien & H. Miller-Kuhanek (Eds.) Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents, 8th Ed., pp. 338-373, Maryland Heights, Missouri: Elsevier.
• Perkinson M, Hilton C & Perlmutter M. (2020). Therapeutic partnerships: Caregiving in the home setting. In C. Christiansen (Ed.) Ways of Living, 5th Ed.: Intervention strategies to enable participation. pp. 478-500. Bethesda, MD: American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Hilton C, Ratcliff K, Collins D, Flanagan J, & Hong I. (2019).Flourishing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research, 12(6), 952-966. doi.org/10.1002/aur.2097

Note: A complete list of all publications can be found on the abbreviated CV.