Pediatric Pioneers Episode 19: Neurodiversity Advocacy: How Can the Therapy Team Move From “Fix” to “Fit”?

Join host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, and guest Elizabeth Jones, MS, OTR/L, an expert in pediatric advocacy, as they explore a transformative paradigm shift in neurodiversity. You will learn how to move beyond individual “fixes” to design “fits” within school and community systems, treating parent input as vital clinical data. Liz shares how her dual perspective as a therapist and parent can help you leverage “causal advocacy” to create inclusive environments that support participation for all. Discover how to translate your unique expertise into actionable strategies that reduce burnout and ensure neurodivergent children truly thrive in their daily lives.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the shift from a medical “fix” model to a neuroinclusive “fit” model that prioritizes environmental modifications and participation over individual impairmentApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address advocacy for neurodivergent learners by integrating parent input as clinical data and identifying systemic barriers to accessSolve case scenarios involving neurodivergent learners in school and community settings, focusing on transitions, unstructured times, and inclusive participationTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:37) Personal journey into advocacy(00:06:24) Importance of advocacy in pediatric practice(00:07:27) Questions for reflective practice(00:11:25) Translating expertise to the team(00:17:40) Causal vs. case advocacy(00:21:50) Additional research insights on advocacy(00:24:35) Translating research into practice(00:28:38) The role of occupational therapy in schools(00:30:30) Understanding stakeholder perspectives(00:31:52) Actionable takeaways for practitioners(00:38:45) Real-world examples of inclusion challenges(00:46:35) The future of pediatric practice and inclusionPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠