BEST Strategies to Promote Occupational Participation Using a Strengths-based and Neurodiversity-affirming Lens

BEST Strategies to Promote Occupational Participation Using a Strengths-based and Neurodiversity-affirming Lens is organized by Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) / Association canadienne des ergotherapeutes (ACE) and will be held on Sep 19 - 20, 2024.

Description:
Occupational therapists need to be knowledgeable of emerging trends in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and feel confident with implementing strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming best practices when working with neurodivergent people and their families.

This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, and Thinking) evidence-based intervention 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. Participants will have a chance to consider systemic and individual barriers to occupational participation for neurodivergent individuals and will discuss how to address these barriers.  

Learning Objectives:
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