My OT CEUs

Here’s the dilemma:

The number of adults diagnosed with autism is rising. Yet, we currently have very few evidence-based interventions to offer this population.

We seem to be falling short of truly supporting autistic adults. We need to do better, not just by addressing their challenges, but also by bolstering their unique strengths.

This 1-hour episode is going to push you to think big-picture about the unmet needs of autistic adults—and, hopefully, it will help you address both the challenges and strengths that can be part of being neurodivergent in a world that is built for neurotypicals. Our goal is to support you as an OT, so you can help autistic adults live a life they love.

The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research exploring the priorities of autistic adults. Then, Meg Proctor, an occupational therapist with expertise in working with patients on the spectrum, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

Primary Research Explored

Gotham, K., Marvin, A. R., Taylor, J. L., Warren, Z., Anderson, C. M., Law, P. A., . . . Lipkin, P. H. (2015). Characterizing the daily life, needs, and priorities of adults with autism spectrum disorder from Interactive Autism Network data. Autism, 19(7), 794-804. doi:10.1177/1362361315583818

Learning Objectives

1. You will be able to identify unique challenges that autistic adults may face, and should inform your practice. 
2. You will be able to recall unique strengths of autistic adults, many of which can be leveraged in your treatments. 
3. You will be able to describe how understanding the strengths and challenges of autistic adults should impact your work with children on the spectrum. 

Agenda

Intro (5 minutes)

Breakdown of research analysis of (10 minutes)

• The rising number of adults diagnosed with autism, and lack of related research 
• The problem with how “outcomes” have historically been categorized 
• What was the research question being studied in this paper? 
• Who was included in this study? 
• What were the results? 
• What did the authors conclude/discuss? 
• Takeaways for OT practitioners 

Discussion on practical implications for OTs (with guest Meg Proctor) (45 minutes)

• Recommendations on language: “autistic,” “low/high functioning” 
• Supports currently available to autistic adults specifically noting those in which OTs are involved 
• What supports are lacking?  
• What are some opportunities for OTs to better serve this population? 
• How do we need to change as OTs—and as a society—to better serve this population? 
• What recommendations would you give to OTs who are seeing autistic adults in their standard practice? 
• How should understanding the challenges/strengths of autistic adults impact our pediatric practice?