Moving Toward Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy for Autistic People: Key Questions and Next Steps

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Abstract

With the rise in popularity of neurodiversity-affirming practices in occupational therapy, specifically with the autistic population, there is a need to establish a more robust theoretical underpinning for this work. A neurodiversity framework is different from the prevailing medical model that informs current practice in much of Westernized health care, and interested occupational therapists are now asking questions about how to apply it to their work. Occupational science is well-suited to generate research outside the medical model that can serve as a basic science foundation to inform practice. The purpose of this Opinions in the Profession paper is to suggest three needed areas of research in occupational science, to address occupational therapists’ unanswered questions regarding (a) autistics’ preferred methods of participation, (b) experiences of occupational injustice, and (c) the impact of autistic neurology on occupational engagement. These opinions are based on our experiences as both autistic and non-autistic occupational scientists and occupational therapists working with the autistic population. While these are not comprehensive, they serve as a starting point for identifying opportunities to move the profession toward neurodiversity-affirming standards of care. As we move forward, we stress the need to continue prioritizing research based on autistic input and under autistic leadership.

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