Architects of belonging: The transformative role of occupational therapy in supporting the mental health of autistic individuals

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are crucial for enhancing physical and mental functions, with mental well-being playing a pivotal role in long-term health. Wilcock's (1998) model of occupational therapy, emphasizing doing, being, and becoming, was expanded by Hammell (2014) to include belonging. Defined by Hammell as life satisfaction and occupational engagement involving social interaction, mutual support, and contribution, belonging is proposed in this article as the key element underlying occupational therapy practice with autistic clients.