OVERVIEW

The BEST Approach: Promoting Occupational Participation Through a Strengths-Based and Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens is organized by Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) / Association canadienne des ergotherapeutes (ACE) and will be held from Aug 14 - 15, 2025.

Description:
This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, and Thinking) evidence-based approach to co-create therapy plans with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals that promote occupational participation. These occupations will be explored in depth through a combination of teaching, video presentations, demonstrations, ongoing interactions with workshop participants, case studies, and/or small group work that will explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent children, youth, and adults who present with sensory processing differences* (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions).

There will be a strong focus on the use of strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches throughout this workshop. The following occupations will be addressed to best promote the occupational participation of autistic and other neurodivergent children, youth, and adults: eating, sleep, personal hygiene, play, school, and leisure. Participants will have a chance to consider systemic and individual barriers to occupational participation for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, and will discuss how to address these barriers.

Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

Explain and advocate as to why occupational therapists need to practice using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming evidence-based approaches by addressing, supporting and advocating for inclusion and identity across the lifespan.
Utilize the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, and Thinking) approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults in engaging and participating in eating, sleep, and personal hygiene occupations.
Utilize the presenter’s BEST approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children and adolescents in engaging and participating in meaningful play and school occupations.
Utilize the presenter’s BEST approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults in engaging and participating in meaningful leisure occupations.