Neurodiversity in the OT Profession: Embracing and Supporting Neurodivergent Therapists
Neurodiversity in the OT Profession
As a neurodivergent occupational therapist (OT) myself, living with ADHD, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the immense value that neurodiversity brings to our profession. Occupational therapy is a unique field that has been described as "where science, creativity, and compassion collide" (Kensky, 2016). We work with individuals from all walks of life, many of whom are neurodivergent. Understanding neurodiversity not only enhances our ability to provide client-centered care but also allows for deeper connections with our clients. However, this understanding must begin within our profession—embracing and supporting neurodivergent therapists like myself.
Neurodivergence in the General Population and OT Profession
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. According to current estimates, approximately 15-20% of the general population is considered neurodivergent (Walker, 2021). While there is no specific data on the number of neurodivergent occupational therapists available, this statistic likely applies to the OT profession as well, if not higher based on the qualities of the profession and the increasing number of professionals being drawn to the field based on personal life experiences.
As occupational therapists, we often work with neurodivergent individuals—whether they be clients with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergence. Therefore, having neurodivergent practitioners in our ranks offers a unique strength: the lived experience that can deeply inform and enhance the quality of therapy we provide. This personal insight makes neurodivergent OTs especially well-equipped to practice with empathy, adaptability, and a nuanced understanding of their clients' challenges.
The Strengths of Neurodivergent Therapists in OT
Neurodivergent individuals bring a range of strengths to the occupational therapy profession, often thriving in areas that are central to our work. Here are some of the key attributes that neurodivergent OTs contribute:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Occupational therapy requires innovative thinking and the ability to approach problems from multiple angles. Neurodivergent individuals often excel in thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions—essential skills for adapting interventions to meet clients' unique needs. ADHD therapists, for example, may have minds that work quickly, allowing them to generate ideas and adjust approaches rapidly when faced with complex challenges.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Living with neurodivergence often fosters a deep sense of empathy for others' struggles. Neurodivergent therapists understand firsthand the experience of navigating a world that isn’t always designed for them. This personal experience with adversity often leads to heightened compassion for clients, particularly those with similar challenges.
3. Hyperfocus and Passion
Many neurodivergent individuals experience periods of hyperfocus, where they become deeply immersed in tasks they find stimulating or meaningful. In the OT profession, this can translate into a profound dedication to certain areas of practice, research, or advocacy. Neurodivergent therapists often bring a passionate commitment to their work, which can be highly motivating for both themselves and their clients.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability
Neurodivergent individuals frequently navigate environments that are not well-suited to their ways of thinking or processing information. As a result, they often develop strong adaptability skills, learning to function in various contexts. This ability to shift gears quickly and find alternative routes is highly valuable in OT, where therapists must constantly adapt to the evolving needs of their clients.
The Importance of Neurodiversity Awareness in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is grounded in the idea of supporting individuals in achieving independence, function, and meaningful engagement in their lives. A key part of this mission involves acknowledging and celebrating diversity, including neurodiversity, both among our clients and within our profession. Neurodivergent OTs, through their lived experiences, offer a unique and essential perspective in this regard.
For instance, as an OT with ADHD, I understand the sensory overload or executive functioning challenges that some of my clients face. I can bring this personal understanding into the therapy room, providing interventions that are not only theoretically sound but also resonate on a human level. Neurodivergent OTs can offer practical strategies that they have used successfully in their own lives—fostering a deeper connection and a more authentic therapeutic process.
Supporting Neurodivergent Occupational Therapists in the Workplace
While the value of neurodivergent OTs is clear, the reality is that many face barriers within the workplace. From stigma and misunderstanding to environments that aren't designed to accommodate diverse ways of thinking, neurodivergent professionals often encounter challenges that hinder their full potential. To harness the strengths of neurodivergent therapists and promote a truly inclusive profession, employers and colleagues can take several steps.
1. Create Accommodating Work Environments
Workplaces that offer flexibility in terms of schedules, communication styles, and sensory environments can make a world of difference for neurodivergent OTs. Allowing therapists to choose workspaces that are quieter, offering breaks during long meetings, or using tools like noise-canceling headphones can reduce sensory overload. Providing flexible work hours or remote work options may also help neurodivergent therapists manage their energy and focus.
2. Encourage Open Dialogue
Fostering a culture of openness and acceptance around neurodiversity is essential. Neurodivergent OTs should feel comfortable disclosing their conditions without fear of judgment or discrimination. Employers can create safe spaces for neurodivergent professionals to share their experiences, seek accommodations, and ask for support. This can be done through diversity and inclusion training or employee resource groups focused on neurodiversity.
3. Offer Targeted Support and Resources
Providing access to resources tailored to neurodivergent professionals can help them succeed in their roles. Tools like LifeSherpa (https://lifesherpapp.com/job-coaching/) offer job coaching for individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the unique challenges they may face in the workplace. Employers can also provide mentorship programs or connect neurodivergent OTs with colleagues who share similar experiences.
4. Adjust Performance Evaluations
Standard performance evaluations may not always account for the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent employees. Employers should consider flexible criteria when assessing the performance of neurodivergent OTs, focusing on outcomes rather than rigid standards. For example, instead of penalizing therapists for not completing tasks in a typical linear fashion, employers could acknowledge the creative and efficient approaches they may use to achieve the same results.
How Neurodivergent OTs Improve Client Care
The presence of neurodivergent OTs in the workforce not only benefits the therapists themselves but also enhances the quality of care provided to clients. Clients often feel more comfortable and understood when working with therapists who share their experiences. This is particularly true for neurodivergent clients, who may feel a deep connection with a therapist who has lived experience with similar challenges.
Neurodivergent OTs bring invaluable insights into the therapeutic process, offering practical solutions and empathy that stem from their personal journeys. They are often better equipped to create interventions that align with the lived experiences of their clients, especially those who are neurodivergent themselves. By embracing neurodivergent therapists, we also foster a more diverse and inclusive healthcare system—one that is better equipped to meet the needs of all individuals.
Contact Me to Learn More
Neurodiversity is not only a critical consideration in occupational therapy practice but also within the profession itself. As an ADHD occupational therapist, I have experienced firsthand the strengths that neurodivergence brings to our field—creativity, compassion, adaptability, and empathy. By embracing and supporting neurodivergent therapists, we can create a more inclusive workplace and provide even more effective care for our clients.
Supporting neurodivergent therapists through flexible environments, open dialogue, and targeted resources will not only improve their experiences in the workplace but also elevate the quality of therapy that clients receive. The neurodivergent perspective is an asset in occupational therapy, and it’s time to fully recognize its value. For more info, please reach out to julia@mysensorylife.com.
References
Walker, N. (2021). Neurodiversity: Some basic terms & definitions. Neurocosmopolitanism. Retrieved from https://neurocosmopolitanism.com/neurodiversity-some-basic-terms-definitions/
LifeSherpa. (n.d.). Job coaching. Retrieved from https://lifesherpapp.com/job-coaching/
