When Two Worlds Collide

A few days ago, I had an experience of "role clash", as I read an article from AOTA's website about OT's possible role under the new definition of the DSM V.  By "role clash", what I mean is that when there are one or more occupational roles in conflict with each other.  In this case, it will be my occupational role as a future OT professional and the occupational role of a consumer in the autism community.  When that happened, I was confused about what to believe.  What made matters worse was that I saw both sides of the argument and both occupational roles are vital in defining who I am.  In this instance, my occupational role as a consumer in the autism community "won out" because I felt that there will be more people like myself (but younger) will lose out on services that could have benefited them.

What I failed to do in this instance was asking myself a simply question, "What side of the fence SHOULD I really be on, objectively speaking?"  If the answer were to be based on my emotions, definitely I will say the autism community, as the argument would have been "one of OT's role is to be an advocate for his/her clients."  However, after some people talked out with the matter to me, I now say the OT community.  At the end of the day, this is going to be my career.  Also, the jury is still out on the DSM V changes and how they may affect the definition of OT services.

Then, I thought about a related discussion in regards to OT community and Aspie caregivers about school-based OT services a few weeks ago.  Even after showing what the OT community had said, some parents still were not satisfied.  As things turned out, I was told that I should have expected these parents' reactions.  It's not because these parents don't want to hear a voice of reason, it's just that these parents are just headstrong in advocating for their kids, which is understandable.

Of course, this turned out to be a good "experience" for my OT career before it started.  I can foresee situations like this if I work in pediatrics setting, particularly school based.  When situations like this happened again, what should I really base what I should to do on?  After some reflections, here is my list.

1. Clinical reasoning.  I have to stand by my own clinical reasoning.  It's something every present/future OT professional must do.

2. Data (from assessment results, clinical observations, etc.)  This is my data and I have analyzed them.  Again, I have to stand by my analysis, as every present/future OT professional should stand by his/her own analysis.

3. Policies in my place of work.  This is super important because not following them could get my colleagues angry, or get myself fired.

4. My own perspective.  After having a level 2 fieldwork experience under my belt, I realized that sometimes my perspective is a blessing, but sometimes it is useless.

5. Parent input.  They are with the Aspie the longest.  However, some of them may not be the best at framing the problem.

The thing I didn't put on there is my feelings and emotions for the parents.  Naturally, I will be more inclined to help these parents to the best of my ability.  But at the end of the day, I also have to be objective with what I know and what I have information wise.

That said, I am sure it won't be the only time I could have conflicted feelings when it comes to autism and OT in my OT journey.  After all, I am more sensitive the subject than a lot of people in the OT community.  On the flip side, I can be quite sensitive to what the autism community said about OT, too.  So, I have to take a moment and think about the matter objectively, and not let my feelings get in the way, which can be really difficult.  Of course, it's easier said than done.  All I can do is to be mindful of what I do and who I am speaking/writing to.