BEST strategies to promote occupational participation: Neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy
Thursday, September 19 & Friday, September 20, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) evidence-based interventions framework to co-create therapy plans with neurodivergent individuals that promote occupational participation. These occupations will be explored in depth through a combination of teaching, video presentations, demonstrations, ongoing interactions with workshop participants, case studies and/or small group work that will explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent children, youth and adults who present with sensory processing differences (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions). There will be a strong focus on the use of strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches throughout this workshop. The following occupations will be addressed to best promote the occupational participation of neurodivergent children, youth and adults: eating, sleep, personal hygiene, play, school, and leisure. Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants and other health professionals who work with neurodivergent children, youth and adults who present with sensory processing differences (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions).
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Explain why occupational therapists need to practice using strengths-based, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming evidence-based approaches by addressing, supporting and advocating for inclusion and identity across the lifespan. Utilize the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) strategies framework to support neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults in engaging and participating in eating, sleep and personal hygiene occupations. Utilize the presenter’s BEST strategies framework to support neurodivergent children and adolescents in engaging and participating in meaningful play and school occupations. Utilize the presenter’s BEST strategies framework to support neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults in engaging and participating in meaningful leisure occupations