Erna Blanche

Erna Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is a Clinical Professor of Occupational Therapy at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Her expertise focuses on pediatric occupational therapy, sensory integration, and interventions for children with developmental disabilities. She co-authored influential books such as Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration and developed clinical tools like the Structured Observations of Sensory Integration – Motor. Dr. Blanche maintains ties with Therapy West, Inc., a private clinic she co-founded, and collaborates with the University of Chile's Occupational Therapy Department. She holds degrees from the University of Chile, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California.

• Education: PhD in Occupational Science (USC), MA in Occupational Therapy (USC), MA in Special Education (Columbia University), BA in Occupational Therapy (University of Chile)
• Research: Focuses on play, sensory processing, and clinical evaluation of children with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Global Impact: Lectured internationally in over 20 countries and supports pediatric occupational therapy programs globally.