“The EMPOWER Model: A Framework for Fostering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation and Supporting Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy Practice” - Peer-Reviewed Article

“The EMPOWER Model: A Framework for Fostering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation and Supporting Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy Practice” is now yours. Oh my, is this what dreams are made of? *cue Hilary Duff* But for real, after over three years of arduous edits, second-guessing everything, and Impostor Syndrome overflowing, an idea that began with a conversation with my husband (I love you, Zack) turned into my first peer-reviewed, published paper. “The EMPOWER Model: A Framework for Fostering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation and Supporting Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy Practice” is now yours, and better yet? It’s OPEN ACCESS!

At its core, this paper is meant to be a guiding light for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) who want to not only challenge neuronormativity within the profession, but also learn about critical aspects of neurodiversity-affirming practice (disability justice, trauma-informed care, antiracism, and strengths-based approaches) and have a blueprint/starting point for implementing neurodiversity-affirming principles in their practice. This paper is a love letter to neurodiversity and is a thank you to the incredible advocates who have already been doing this work.

This paper would absolutely not exist without the following remarkable humans whose work either directly influenced this article and/or inspired it:

• Antoine Bailliard, Jacklyn & Greg Boheler, Jacquelyn Fede, LaVonne Fox, Tracey DeMaria, Lizzi Duffy, Santanna Ficken, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Karen Hammell, Katie Hansen, Jenna Heffron, Khalilah Johnson, Amy Laurent, Ryan Lavalley, Kelly Mahler, Lisa Marnell, Kavitha Murthi, Janet Njelesani, Kristie Patten, Meg Proctor, Kelsie Reed, Rachel Robertson, Greg Santucii, Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez, Alisa Sheth, Julia Sterman, Laura VanPuymbrouck, Lori Vaughn, Lauren Villa, Sonny Jane Wise, and Daryl Yao

If you identify as Neurodivergent or Disabled, I sincerely hope you feel seen as you read this paper. If you are new to anti-ableism, don’t worry—there is so much inner dismantling and unlearning, and it can be quite tricky and feel impossible. Please remember that you will make mistakes (I still do all of the time), and that is okay. Growing from our mistakes is how we learn! Give yourself grace and patience, and know you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I believe in you, and you've got this!

Also, major shout-out to the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy; their feedback transformed this article into what it is today, and they were incredible to collaborate with throughout the peer-review process (and thank you for allowing me to include illustrations throughout!).

The future is Disabled, and oh my goodness, that is such a beautiful thing!

P.S. The article has an appendix that is the EMPOWER Model Action Plan—if you would like the action plan in its original formatting (e.g., larger tables and text), you can download the original plan below, underneath the model illustration.