An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Occupational Therapy

Hosted by the Southern States OT Association CE Collaborative

Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 pm Central Time

PLEASE NOTE: This live webinar is only open to members of the following state OT associations: TNOTA, GOTA, ALOTA, and LOTA. This is the first of four members-only CE events being organized through the Southern States’ OT Association CE Collaborative partnership.

Instructions on how to access TNOTA's member access page can be found through the button below.

This webinar will be recorded and made available through Aspire OT free of charge for members of TNOTA, GOTA, ALOTA, and LOTA and for a $20 fee for non-members.

TNOTA - Aspire OT Member Guide

About This Course: With the prevalence of diagnoses like autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on the rise in the U.S., occupational therapy practitioners need to be aware of the unique needs of neurodivergent children and adults. This session will serve as an introduction to the concept of neurodiversity and will include information about the history of disability models and the neurodiversity movement. The significance of neurodiversity-affirming practice in our work as OT practitioners will be covered, and the presentation will conclude with an opportunity for sharing of practical shifts that can be incorporated into clinical practice to improve interactions with clients and ultimately the effectiveness of OT services.

Course Objectives: Through participation in this one-hour CE event, attendees will complete the following:

1. Define the term neurodiversity.
2. Discuss the origins of the neurodiversity movement and its development over time, including a history of disability models.
3. Identify ideas that align with neurodiversity-affirming care to take into clinical practice.

Presenter: Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991. She has worked as an OT educator since 2013 and serves as associate professor in the OT program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. She holds an M.S. in Leadership & Policy Studies and a Doctorate of Education in Instruction & Curriculum Design with an emphasis on Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Memphis. She served as the co-facilitator of the TNOTA Pediatric Community of Practice for several years before moving into her current role of TNOTA President. 

CEU Opportunity: 1 CEU, FREE for TNOTA members