Working as a neurodivergent ‘pracademic’

Has anyone else ever heard the term ‘pracademic’ and wondered what it meant?  It’s a great term, one I was introduced to last year. A ‘pracademic’ is a person whose career spans across practice and research. In health, it’s more common for individuals to sit in one camp or the other – people tend to choose clinical work, or research.

Occupational Therapy

I’ve worked as an occupational therapist for fifteen years and would describe myself as an OT with a special interest in social and emotional wellbeing, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. My interest in this area isn’t limited to children – I’m passionate about the social/emotional wellbeing of the whole family! Research tells us that one of the biggest supports of a child’s development is the relationship they have with their primary caregiver.  This isn’t just for social/emotional development, but also for motor and other developmental skills!

The way I work in therapy sessions is to use the power of the caregiver and child relationship to support development. This therapeutic work can look different for different families; but is a really powerful tool in working towards goals.

Research

In fifteen years of using a family centred approach, I have had the opportunity to meet many amazing caregivers.  They allowed me to walk alongside them in their therapy journey and it’s been a privilege getting to know them and their families. Many of the caregivers I have worked with are caregivers to autistic children. They would frequently discuss how much they have in common with their children, often questioning if they were autistic themselves. They discussed how their experiences shaped their parenting – leading to incredible strengths, but also specific areas they would like support.

However, there is little information about what, if any, supports are helpful for autistic caregivers. The conversations I had in clinical work drove me to consider research. Autistic caregivers exist and parent their children – if they ask for support – what’s actually helpful?

Neurodivergency

I am not a parent; however I do have my own lived experience of neurodivergency. Being an AuDHDer myself, I have deep appreciation for what it can be like when sensory overload overwhelms you; how your day can be ruined if a plan changes; how you can over analyse a social exchange trying to make sure you said the right thing, in the right way…

In holding all of those spaces, I embrace the title of a neurodivergent ‘pracademic’. I’m so excited to share outcomes with you!

 Your friend in neurodivergence,

Kristy