Autistic female occupational therapists

The presentation

The conference presentation offered two compelling narratives that delved deep into personal and professional experiences within occupational therapy, presenting powerful insights into academic research and neurodiversity. 

Mandy Graham's PhD Journey: A Personal Transformation 

Dr Mandy Graham's presentation masterfully drew parallels between completing a PhD and the journey of parenthood, offering a refreshingly honest and relatable account of her doctoral research. Her narrative was not just an academic achievement, but a deeply personal odyssey of growth, challenge, and resilience. 

Mandy candidly discussed the emotional rollercoaster of doctoral research, comparing it to the transformative experience of becoming a parent. She highlighted the similarities in both journeys: the initial excitement, the moments of doubt, the need for support, and the ultimate sense of accomplishment. 

Key aspects of her PhD journey included: 

• Navigating professional expectations and personal commitments 
• Maintaining well-being while undertaking intensive research 
• The importance of passionate topic selection 
• Building a supportive network of colleagues and mentors 

Her advice for aspiring doctoral candidates was pragmatic and encouraging: 

1. There's never a ‘perfect’ time to start a PhD – just begin 
2. Choose a topic you're genuinely passionate about 
3. Prioritise your well-being throughout the process 
4. Secure robust academic and personal support 

Jessica Solly's research: Autistic female occupational therapists

Jessica Solly's research provided a groundbreaking exploration of autistic female occupational therapists' professional experiences. As an autistic researcher herself, Jessica brought a unique, insider perspective to her study, which focused on understanding the lived experiences of neurodivergent professionals.

Key research themes

1. Masking: Participants discussed the exhausting practice of hiding autistic traits to appear ‘neurotypical’. This often came at a significant psychological and physical cost, with some professionals feeling unable to be their authentic selves in workplace environments. 
2. Autism strengths: The research highlighted how neurodiversity can bring unique qualities to professional settings. Participants emphasized that their autistic traits offered different but valuable perspectives, even when these weren't always recognized by colleagues. 
3. Ableism: Jessica's research uncovered pervasive ableism within occupational therapy training and workplaces. This included:  

• Lack of neurodiversity-affirming language 
• Environments designed primarily for neurotypical individuals 
• Insufficient understanding of neurodivergent needs 

4. Reasonable adjustments: The study revealed significant challenges in obtaining appropriate workplace accommodations. Participants often felt they had to continuously advocate for their needs, which was emotionally draining. 

Research methodology and significance 

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Jessica interviewed three autistic female occupational therapists. While the sample was small, the research was groundbreaking in its focus on an underrepresented group within both occupational therapy and autism research. 

Broader implications 

Both presentations underscored the critical importance of: 

• Valuing lived experiences 
• Creating more inclusive professional environments 
• Supporting individual journeys of professional and personal development 
• Recognising diverse strengths and perspectives 

The conference session demonstrated that professional growth is not just about academic achievements, but about understanding, supporting, and celebrating individual experiences. 

Mandy and Jessica’s presentations offered powerful, nuanced insights into professional development and neurodiversity. They challenged traditional narratives, emphasized individual experiences, and provided practical guidance for creating more supportive, inclusive workplaces.