Ep. 15 Accept, Adapt & Advocate: Autistic Adults Share Insights for OTPs

Ever wonder what your pediatric OT clients will say about you when they grow up? In this episode, Lacy & Michele explore qualitative research where autistic adults share what they wish their childhood occupational therapists had known. Their insights challenge us to embrace neurodiversity by accepting (rather than “fixing”) autism, adapting environments instead of forcing compliance, and prioritizing client autonomy. These perspectives offer occupational therapy practitioners a roadmap to more effective, ethical, and empowering therapy approaches. Plus, Lacy shares a hilarious Failed It and Michele discovers a new pop-tube.

We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.

Sterman J, Gustafson E, Eisenmenger L, Hamm L, Edwards J. Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth. OTJR. 2022;43(2):237-244. doi:10.1177/15394492221103850

KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence based practice; OT; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; Autism; neurodiversity; qualitative research

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