Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

What Is Neurodiversity?

The neurodiversity movement has gained significant momentum in recent years. Coined in the 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity acknowledges and embraces neurological differences—variations in how individuals interpret, process, and learn information. The neurodiversity framework recognises two main groups:

• Neurotypical individuals who process information in ways considered "typical" for their culture

• Neurodivergent individuals whose brain functioning differs from what's considered "typical," including people with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Dyslexia

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • Dyspraxia

  • Other neurological conditions

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Unlike deficit-based approaches that focus on "fixing" perceived impairments, a neurodiversity-affirming approach recognises that all neurotypes have unique strengths, interests, and support needs. This perspective emphasises how environmental factors, and societal barriers often exacerbate challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

Traditional therapeutic approaches have encouraged neurodivergent individuals to mask their natural traits—reducing stimming behaviours, forcing eye contact, or mimicking neurotypical communication styles. Research now shows these practices can lead to shame, anxiety, depression, and reduced self-worth.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach instead seeks to understand differences, inform individuals about their neurotype, and provide adaptations that affirm neurodivergent identities. This approach promotes self-advocacy regarding accommodations in educational and professional settings while fostering self-esteem.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy

The goal of neurodiversity-affirming therapy is to embrace the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals while providing them and their families with tools and strategies for improved participation in home, school, and social environments.

What neurodiversity-affirming therapy involves:

• Understanding neurodivergent perspectives and adapting environments accordingly

• Respecting diverse communication styles

• Accommodating individual sensory needs

• Encouraging neurodivergent rather than neurotypical listening skills

• Developing self-advocacy and problem-solving abilities

• Teaching social understanding while preserving authentic self-expression

• Validating feelings, recognising triggers, and identifying calming strategies

• Providing processing time and safe spaces

• Supporting healthy self-regulation, including stimming

• Using neurodiversity-affirming language

What neurodiversity-affirming therapy does NOT involve:

• Promoting masking or diminishing personal autonomy

• Eliminating stimming behaviours

• Developing goals aimed at "curing" neurodivergent traits

Key Principles of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

1. Embrace Neurodiversity: Recognise different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world as natural variations

2. Presume Competence: Assume neurodivergent individuals have the capacity to understand and participate in their lives

3. Strengths-Based Approach: Focus on identifying and supporting unique abilities

4. Respect All Communication Styles: Acknowledge diverse forms of expression beyond speech

5. Trauma-Informed Care: Consider potential trauma impacts and adjust support accordingly

6. Individualised Support: Tailor accommodations to specific needs and preferences

7. Affirming Language: Use respectful language that validates neurodivergent experiences

8. Person-Centred Care: Prioritise individual well-being in all interactions

9. Advocacy: Support the rights and needs of neurodivergent individuals in various settings

Why Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Matters

• Well-being: Promotes acceptance, validation, and improved mental health

• Engagement: Fosters greater participation in activities and social settings

• Inclusive Environments: Creates more accessible spaces for everyone

• Empowerment: Enables self-advocacy and autonomy

• Trauma-Informed Care: Addresses potential impacts of trauma with appropriate support

Neurodiversity-Affirming Resources

For Children/Adolescents:

• The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon

• The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman

• Just Right for You by Melanie Heyworth

• Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsay Rowe Parker

• The Superhero Brain by Christel Land

• Some Brains by Nelly Thomas

• Different, Not Less by Chloé Hayden

For Adults:

• Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price

• Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed For You by Jenna Nerenberg

• Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn

• Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids by Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Podcasts/Videos:

• Connor De Wolfe's TikTok

• The Yellow Ladybugs Podcast

• The Neurodivergent Woman by Monique Mitchelson and Michelle Livock

• Amazing Kids: Autism Spectrum Condition by Amazing Things Project