Document Type

Book

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

When we were asked at the beginning of our class, "What is one thing you have experienced that you wish no one would ever have to experience again?", by author and occupational therapist Elizabeth Ching, OTD, M.Ed., BSOT, OTR/L, my mind began to swirl with ideas. I identify as a gay, white, neurodivergent, non-binary person, and I wish that no one would be misgendered or have their sexuality assumed by health professionals ever again. I also wish that people with neurodivergent brains would be given the support they need to thrive in a world that was not built with us in mind. I didn't choose to be queer or to have ADHD, and it is challenging to own these identities. People in the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities face oppression and systemic harm in the U.S. from society at large and often in the healthcare system. As OTs, our core values include Equity, Freedom, Dignity, Justice, and Advocacy and we have a duty to serve clients in close alignment to these values. I hope that this zine destroys stereotypes and leads to greater cultural sensitivity.

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