
What Can Occupational Therapy Do for Autistic Adults? An Interview With Courtney Benner
07/27/23 • 44 min
Courtney Benner, a neurodivergent occupational therapist based in Utah, shares how occupational therapy can help autistic adults. She also talks about her neurodivergent identities and the ways these help her relate to her clients.
Courtney shares the lead-up to her diagnoses and how much of an impact they had on her life. Additionally, she shares some very interesting statistics about autistic sleep patterns, explains the zones of regulation and how these can be used or adapted for adults with alexithymia, talks about the hurdles to becoming an autism assessor, and more.
If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:
Check out "10 Surprising Ways OT Can Help Adults With Autism and ADHD" by Courtney Benner
"Take the ACE [Adverse Childhood Experiences] Quiz" via NPR
Episode outro music: "Stream This" by Smartface
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha.
All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.
Send in your questions or thoughts via audio or video recording for a chance to be featured on the show! Email your audio or video clips to [email protected] through WeTransfer.
Buy me a coffee!
Buy The Other Autism merch. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 USD!
The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness.
Courtney Benner, a neurodivergent occupational therapist based in Utah, shares how occupational therapy can help autistic adults. She also talks about her neurodivergent identities and the ways these help her relate to her clients.
Courtney shares the lead-up to her diagnoses and how much of an impact they had on her life. Additionally, she shares some very interesting statistics about autistic sleep patterns, explains the zones of regulation and how these can be used or adapted for adults with alexithymia, talks about the hurdles to becoming an autism assessor, and more.
If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:
Check out "10 Surprising Ways OT Can Help Adults With Autism and ADHD" by Courtney Benner
"Take the ACE [Adverse Childhood Experiences] Quiz" via NPR
Episode outro music: "Stream This" by Smartface
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha.
All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.
Send in your questions or thoughts via audio or video recording for a chance to be featured on the show! Email your audio or video clips to [email protected] through WeTransfer.
Buy me a coffee!
Buy The Other Autism merch. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 USD!
The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness.
Previous Episode

Life After Late Autism Diagnosis With Melissa Elaine
Melissa Elaine, a music industry professional in California, shares the lead-up to getting an autism diagnosis just this past January and what life has been like ever since.
Melissa shares how past therapists chalked up her challenges to trauma and C-PTSD, dismissing her and her family's well-informed suspicions that she may be autistic. She also shares her experiences of going nonverbal, her main autistic attributes as a child, and what aspects of life have changed since her late-autism assessment and identification.
Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn.
If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:
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Episode outro music: "Hidden Lines" by Ooyy
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha.
All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.
Send in your questions or thoughts via audio or video recording for a chance to be featured on the show! Email your audio or video clips to [email protected] through WeTransfer.
Buy me a coffee!
Buy The Other Autism merch. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 USD!
The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness.
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What to Consider When Seeking Adult Autism Assessment
Are you ready to navigate the intricate maze of adult autism diagnosis?
I dedicate this episode to offering tips and advice to help you determine whether autism assessment is right for you, suggestions on how to find a psychologist who conducts adult autism assessments, and brief strategies on securing financial support if you can't afford the exorbitant assessment fees.
This episode is designed to be a supportive companion on your quest for answers.
If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:
Dr. David Worling's website
Episode outro music: "Overshare" by dreem
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha.
All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.
Send in your questions or thoughts via audio or video recording for a chance to be featured on the show! Email your audio or video clips to [email protected] through WeTransfer.
Buy me a coffee!
Buy The Other Autism merch. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 USD!
The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness.
The Other Autism - What Can Occupational Therapy Do for Autistic Adults? An Interview With Courtney Benner
Transcript
Please say hello to my guest for today , Courtney Benner , an occupational therapist based in Utah .
Courtney BennerMy name is Courtney Benner and I live in Utah County , Utah . I am 30 , flirty, and thriving . I grew up in a small town in Wyoming . If you see my picture you'll understand this . But this is one of my most asked questions .
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