Extraordinary in the ordinary: Affirming meaning for children with complex needs

Children who live in complex bodies are often discussed through the lens of the medical model—focusing on what they cannot do, the therapies required to correct their bodies, and the risks associated with their multiple diagnoses (Nijs et al., 2016; Nilsson & Nyberg, 2003). A growing movement in clinical practice is that of recentering to take a more strengths-based approach. However, when we, as occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), write reports and research, we run the risk of narrowly seeing these strengths only in terms of milestones or motor abilities. Even though this is a step in the right direction, it neglects crucial dimensions: how these children engage with the world, how they express agency, and how they experience joy (K. A. Erickson et al., 2021). Occupational therapy as a discipline is well positioned to see the richness in everyday activity, particularly for children who live in complex bodies.