A Framework for Supporting Neurodivergent Students

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Hey OTP!

Although it has become more prevalent on podcasts, at conferences, and in CEU courses recently, providing neurodiversity-affirming support for neurodivergent individuals is not a new concept.

Despite that (and all of the research OT practitioners have conducted to support neurodivergent individuals), there has never been a framework of occupational therapy developed that prioritizes authentic, neurodivergent well-being.

That is, until now.

In episode 178 of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, I sit down with Bryden Giving, who shares the how and why behind his Empowering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation & Well-being (EMPOWER) Model and how he applies it as a school-based OT to support his students.

During our conversation, Bryden discusses important topics like:

• The evolution of neurodiversity-affirming practices in school-based OT

• His groundbreaking EMPOWER Model (illustrated by Bryden above), which creates a framework for authentic neurodivergent well-being

• And practical implementation strategies for school-based practitioners

I'll be honest, I was a bit selfish in asking Bryden to share this knowledge on the podcast. I wanted to learn more about this area of occupational therapy since it's not something I'm as familiar with.

If you want to better understand how we as OTPs can embrace and adopt a neurodiversity-affirming model, this episode will help guide you on that journey.

Click here or on the artwork below to listen to the full episode and view the show notes.

The EMPOWER Model to support neurodiverse individuals comes to the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative

Join Bryden Carlson-Giving, OTD, OTR/L, on June 25th, 2025, for an insightful virtual live course focused on applying the EMPOWER model - a neurodiversity-focused occupational therapy framework designed specifically for school-based practice.

This one-hour session will equip you with tools to identify and challenge ableism, conduct meaningful assessments, and implement neurodiversity-affirming interventions that promote student well-being and self-advocacy.

Perfect for school-based OTPs seeking to enhance their practice through anti-ableist principles and best practices informed by neurodivergent voices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills and join a supportive community.

Join the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative to attend live and access the replay!

Already a Collab member? Login and RSVP here!

RESEARCH PARTICIPATION 🧪

Using SI in school-based OT

Do you, or have you:

1) Works/worked in the school setting as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant

2) Live and work in the United States

3) Completed 30 hours of training specific to sensory integration

If so, you are the perfect person to participate in this research survey from leading researchers in the field of OT and SI.

LAST WORD 👋 Better tomorrow than I am today!

For me, this is one of those episodes (and topics) where I know I will be better tomorrow because of the things I do today.

Monumental shifts in how we provide services rarely happen, but if we can make just one small change each week in how we support our students, that leads to 52 improvements a year (or ~36 if you only count the weeks in a school year).

And in my brain, 36-52 small changes can often outweigh 1-3 “monumental” or “significant” changes.

That’s 36:

• Chances to ask your students what’s important to them.

• Opportunities to use hand-under-hand assist

• Prevent Ableism

And that is powerful.

You don’t have to make big changes to make a difference in the world for the individuals you support. Small changes are often the most meaningful and appreciated.

Anyway, I hope you have a chance to listen to this episode with Bryden this summer. I know it will really change the way you think about supporting many of. your students.

Until next time,

👋 Jayson

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