Introduction: Inspiring change, occupational possibilities and futures for disabled youth can begin by rethinking the concept of ‘normal’ development in occupational therapy (OT). This concept views progression from childhood to adulthood as a relatively predictable path of achieving physical, intellectual, and social milestones. OT guided by this perspective can have both beneficial and harmful consequences for the occupational possibilities, futures and health of disabled youth.
Objectives: In this talk, I examine: 1) how assumptions about ability, as preferred over disability, and developmental markers of a ‘proper’ life course progression orient OT to ‘normalizing’ occupations and function, and 2) the implications for disabled youth.
Approach: I will discuss the ways in which ableism and developmentalism underpin the aims of OT using examples from two critical qualitative studies. Study one investigated ‘transition to adulthood’ practices, policies, and family experiences in rehabilitation. Study two examined assumptions about disability and development underlying OT and the effects for young adults labelled with developmental disabilities through critical reflexive dialogues with OT students, clinicians, and researchers.
Practice Implications: Normative assumptions about disability and meaningful occupations over the life course underpin OT knowledge and practice. Such assumptions can promote participation of disabled youth in socially valued occupations, while also limiting their occupational possibilities and futures, and can have unanticipated harmful effects on their health.
Conclusion: Rethinking normal development and embedding critical reflexivity into practice can help to mitigate unintended harms of OT for disabled youth and promote an array of occupational possibilities and futures as they age.