In this introductory course, we will explore the barriers facing neurodivergent-identifying individuals in postsecondary education and how to leverage our expertise as occupational therapists to help neurodivergent-identifying individuals access available resources to improve postsecondary outcomes.
Live Webinar
Tue, Jun 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTUnder Review: AOTA/0.1 - Application has been made to the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA's) Approved Provider Program.
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to explain and describe neurodiversity and the neurodivergent movement.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe the barriers facing neurodivergent-identifying individuals in postsecondary education.
- After this course, participants will be able to identify ways to help and prepare neurodivergent-identifying individuals for success in postsecondary education.
Agenda
| 0-15 Minutes | Introduction to neurodiversity; including a discussion on neurodiversity as both a biological reality and a social movement that recognizes the diversity and variability in neurocognitive function. |
| 15-30 Minutes | Discussion on the barriers facing neurodivergent students while transitioning and engaging in postsecondary education. |
| 30-45 Minutes | A discussion on the relationship to OT and strategies on how to support neurodivergent students transitioning to higher education. |
| 45-55 Minutes | An introduction to self-advocacy, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to foster self-advocacy skills |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary; Q&A |
Presented By
Christopher Edwards
OTD
Christopher Edwards is a passionate and dedicated Doctor of Occupational Therapy. While attending OT school at Springfield College in Massachusetts, Christopher became increasingly interested in the concept of neurodiversity. As someone who is clinically diagnosed with autism himself, Christopher began reflecting on how his diagnosis and identities impacted his occupational performance, especially during his time in undergrad, where he struggled with sensory overstimulation, sensory trauma, social trauma, executive functioning, and self-advocacy. This reflection led Christopher to research how neurodiversity-affirming principles can be leveraged to help neurodivergent-identifying individuals succeed in postsecondary education. Since then, Christopher has designed a study to explore selfadvocacy skill knowledge and attainment among neurodivergent-identifying post-secondary students, and has coauthored a chapter in Bryden Carlson-Giving's Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy. When he is not interacting with clients or engaging with research, Christopher loves to play sports, go for hikes, and try new recipes.
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Financial: Christopher Edwards has received an honorarium for presenting this course. He is a coauthor of Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy, of which he receives royalties. Non-financial: Christopher Edwards has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by OccupationalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
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