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Journal article
Daily living skill support for autistic people through a neurodiversity-affirming practice lens
Australian occupational therapy journal, Vol.72(2), p.e13002
01/04/2025
PMID: 39406551
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Introduction
Supporting daily living skill (DLS) development for autistic people is a component of occupational therapy practice. DLSs are essential for an increased quality of life (QoL), independent living, and community participation. Autistic young people experience poorer outcomes in terms of QoL and independent living than non‐autistic peers. Finding a balance between targeted DLS support to maximise independent living and improve QoL, while avoiding attempts to ‘normalise’ or ‘change’ autistic people, presents as a dilemma for therapists striving to align with neurodiversity‐affirming practice.
Methods
This theoretical paper explored literature pertaining to DLS and the neurodiversity movement in the context of occupational therapy values and the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation. Consideration of whether targeted DLS support is neurodiversity‐affirming or whether occupational therapists are compelling autistic people to mimic behavioural norms perceived by society was discussed.
Results
DLSs are an important factor for maximising QoL, regardless of neurotype. Occupational therapy values align with the core tenets of the neurodiversity movement, and occupational therapists are equipped with the values and skills to support the development of DLSs utilising affirming practice.
Conclusion
Occupational therapists should critically reflect on their practice to ensure alignment with the professions core values and recent occupational therapy models, to ensure affirming practice. Further research investigating DLS and neurodiversity‐affirming practice would benefit occupational therapists striving to align with neurodiversity‐affirming practice.
Consumer and Community Involvement
No consumer or community involvement. Consumers have been considered throughout the development of this paper through their representation in the literature. This involved a process of reviewing the literature and considering it in the scope of the questions and how occupational therapy sits within the neurodiversity movement.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
It is important to help autistic people to learn to do everyday things. Everyday things include activities like showering, cleaning, and cooking. These things are important so that autistic people can live on their own. It has shown that autistic young people are less likely to be able to do everyday activities on their own. It is important that therapists help autistic people learn how to do everyday things; however, do not try and change who they are. This is because completing everyday activities is an important part of QoL for all people.
Details
- Title
- Daily living skill support for autistic people through a neurodiversity-affirming practice lens
- Creators
- Chelsea Morrison (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityAndrew Cashin (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityKitty‐Rose Foley (Author) - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Australian occupational therapy journal, Vol.72(2), p.e13002
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd; HOBOKEN
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
No Statement Available
- Identifiers
- 991013226812502368
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Author(s)
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article