Table of Contents Co-Authors and Contributors Foreword by Winnie Dunn Preface Bryden Carlson-Giving Key Notes About the Book Chapter 1 - Introduction to Neurodiversity Lori Vaughn, Christopher D. Edwards, and Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez Spotlight: How Neurodivergence and Transness Have Brought Me Home Aster Gallus Chapter 2 - Disability and Ableism: Models, Perspectives, & Implications for Occupational Therapy Alisa Jordan Sheth & Laura VanPuymbrouck Chapter 3 - Neurodiversity & Occupation Aaron R. Dallman and Melanie E. Wright Spotlight: The Occupations of Communication and Playwriting Sofi Ghassaei and Bryden Carlson-Giving Chapter 4 - Disability Justice Bryden Carlson-Giving and LaVonne Fox with Sam Brandsen, Maya Brandsen, Diamond Rashad, Razan Hamad, Khalilah R. Johnson, Shayda Kafai, Toni Saia, Georgia Vine, and Daryl Patrick Yao Chapter 5 - The Body's Story: Trauma, Interoception & Occupational Therapy Katie O'Day & Kelly Mahler Spotlight: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Supporting Individuals with IDD Sam Brandsen Chapter 6 - Antiracism Occupational Therapy Practice: Why, What, How? Musharrat J. Ahmed-Landeryou Chapter 7 - Strengths-Based Approaches: Foundations for Practice and Anti-Ableist Occupational Therapy Education Kavitha Murthi and Kristie K. Patten Spotlight - Supporting Individuals with High Support Needs Through a Strength-Based Approach Lucio Serio, Kelsie Reed, Breea M. Rosas, and Haley Biddanda Chapter 8 - Critical Reflexivity Julia Sterman and Janet Njelesani Chapter 9 - Inclusive Evaluations Lisa Marnell, Kathryn L. Hansen, Rachel Robertson, and Bryden Carlson-Giving Spotlight - The Cultural Identity Assessment Mary Katherine Howell Chapter 10 - Neurodivergent Empowerment: Affirming Practices and Supportive Strategies Amy Laurent and Lisa Marnell Chapter 11 - Advocacy Greg Boheler, Jacklyn Boheler, and Elizabeth Duffy Spotlight - Sass Meets Advocacy: Wit and Wisdom from a Nonspeaking Advocate Bri Guerra and Bryden Carlson-Giving Chapter 12 - The Empowering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation and Well-being (EMPOWER) Model Bryden Carlson-Giving Chapter 13: Stories of Practice Elizabeth Duffy, Kelsie Olds, Stephanie Olszewski, Robert B. Pereira, and Rachel Robertson Acknowledgements Appendix A - Reflections for Change Appendix B - Matrices for Action Appendix C - List of Supplemental Downloads and Resources in the Vault
Description
Despite growing awareness of neurodiversity, ableist narratives continue to shape OT practice, creating barriers to truly inclusive care. This community-driven resource is a timely collaboration amongst justice-focussed leaders, equipping OT professionals with the tools to foster neurodiversity-affirming practice. Drawn from both lived experience, professional expertise, and justice-oriented frameworks, this is both a practical guide and a visionary blueprint for dismantling ableism in assessment, intervention, research, and education. The first half of the book explores essential foundations such as neurodivergent occupations, disability justice, trauma-informed care, antiracism, and strengths-based approaches. The second half offers practical strategies for embedding affirming principles throughout the OT process. Supplemented with over 100 pages of digital content including case studies, assessment tool resources, and checklists, this is not just a textbook, but a call to action and a compass for reflection. This book is a roadmap for transforming OT into a more equitable profession that celebrates neurodiversity.