CPD offering delivered through Occupational Therapy Australia - Neurodiversity Affirming and Trauma Informed Occupational Therapy
This is an updated and extended version of the workshop presented at the OTNZ-WNA Clinical Workshops in 2024 and the OTA National Conference in 2025.
Neurodiversity affirming practice has become a bit of a buzz word, but how do we know if we are actually being neurodiversity affirming? What does this look like in practice and how do we ‘do’ neurodiversity affirming occupational therapy especially when some of our models and systems are steeped in colonisation and ableism? Being neurodiversity affirming and trauma-informed are key parts of occupational therapy practice to ensure we are supporting self-determination, and also take into account all types of inequities, contexts and the intersectionality of different identities of neurodivergent people, so that we can advocate for appropriate supports and reduce harm done by non-affirming therapies.
To be neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed we need to know what this means and have spaces to explore and break down these concepts in order to apply them to practice. By understanding the key principles and setting concrete action steps, occupational therapists will have new tools to support participation and engagement for neurodivergent clients.
The session will be a mixture of didactic content delivery, small and large group discussion, brainstorming, and personal reflection.
Learning Objectives:
Understand and apply models of neurodiversity affirming practice developed by neurodivergent people
Understand the overlaps between neurodiversity affirming practice and trauma-informed care and why it’s important for occupational therapy to be both
Reflect on the importance of understanding intersectionality, power and privilege and how this impacts our practice and the client experience
Use universal design principles to brainstorm practical strategies to move towards being more neurodiversity affirming and trauma-informed in our own occupational therapy practice
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Occupational therapists at any stage of their career with an interest in trauma-informed and neurodiversity affirming practice.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
DATE:
11th May 2026
TIME:
3:00pm | NSW | ACT | VIC | TAS | QLD |
2:30pm | SA | NT |
1:00pm | WA |
EARLY BIRD FEES: Register on or before 30th March 2026
OTA Member: $54
Student New Graduate: $49
Non Member: $70
STANDARD FEES: Book on or after 31st March 2026
OTA Member: $60
Student / New Graduate: $54
Non Member: $78
Image description: photo of a computer monitor with the title slide for the training ‘Neurodiversity-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy’ with name, date and Occupational Therapy Australia’s logo. A crocheted emotional support pickle sits underneath the screen.