Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth.

This study asked autistic adults what they think occupational therapy for autistic children should look like. They found that autistic adults want therapy that celebrates who autistic children are, rather than trying to change them. They suggested changing the environment or activities to help children participate better, and focusing on helping children speak up for themselves and make their own choices.

This qualitative study explored autistic adult perspectives on occupational therapy services for autistic children by analyzing data from a Facebook group and occupational therapy podcast. Participants emphasized the importance of neurodiversity-positive approaches that support autistic identities rather than attempting to 'fix' autistic children. Key themes included modifying environments and tasks to promote participation, and establishing goals focused on self-advocacy and autonomy. The research highlights the value of including autistic adult voices as informants about the autistic experience, rather than relying solely on parent perspectives.

Findings suggest occupational therapists should critically examine their practices for alignment with autistic values and consider shifting toward more neurodiversity-affirming approaches.

Occupational therapists should critically examine their practice approaches for alignment with autistic values. Consider shifting toward neurodiversity-affirming practices that modify environments rather than focusing on behavioral change. Include autistic adult perspectives in service planning and goal development to ensure interventions support autistic identity and promote self-advocacy skills.

Sample size not reported. Data collection limited to Facebook group and podcast participants, potentially creating selection bias. Qualitative methodology provides valuable perspectives but limited generalizability. No comparison with current occupational therapy practices or outcome measures provided.

The Autistic community values neurodiversity-positive approaches rather than behavioral interventions for Autistic children; however, little is known about what that would look like in occupational therapy. Frequently, researchers seek parent perspectives for understanding Autistic children's preferences, while to date insufficient attention has been paid to Autistic adults as valuable informants on the Autistic experience of Autistic children. The objective of the study was to understand Autistic adult perspectives on pediatric occupational therapy for Autistic children. We sought and thematically analyzed data from a large Facebook group and an occupational therapy podcast on Autistic values, needs, and experiences in pediatric occupational therapy.

Participants described wanting therapy that supported Autistic identities rather than trying to "fix" children, changing environments or tasks to promote participation, and setting goals that address self-advocacy and autonomy. Occupational therapy practitioners should critically reflect on their practice's alignment with Autistic values and start to shift their practice as needed.