Neurodiversity Affirming Care 101
Neurodiversity Terms 101
Neurodiversity = The natural variance of people’s brains within society. Every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of needs and abilities.
Neurodivergent = A person who thinks, learns, behaves or communicates differently then the current social norms. Often refers to people born with different brain wiring like Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities like dyslexia, Tourette’s, etc.
*Neurodivergence can also be “acquired” over time due to experiencing trauma, a TBI or other negative impacts from the individual’s environment - which can include PTSD, bipolar, borderline, narcissism, etc.
Neurodiverse = a space or place with people in it. This word isn’t widely used because technically any space with more than one person is neurodiverse.
Neurotypical = A person who thinks, learns, behaves or communicates in line with current social norms.
What does Neurodiversity Affirming Care mean?
We all deserve to be affirmed for who we are. We are all human and we have unique brains, nervous systems, thoughts, feelings, experiences and so on. You deserve to be seen, heard and valued as the unique human you are. You deserve care that accepts you, supports you and empowers you to be the best version of you.
A lot of treatment and supports for neurodivergent people are deficit focused and based on the medical model that says you are doing things “wrong.”
Often care for Autistic and ADHD folx includes telling people what to do and how to be. For Autistic people, treatment has been focused on how to socialize “properly”, how to fit in and hide who you are, or how to stop stimming. Basically, how to “act neurotypical 101.” For ADHD’ers, treatment has focused on how to be more productive, how to be less impulsive/loud/scattered, how to be less. How to dim your shine.
I think this is bullshit and we all deserve better.
Affirming care means your provider won’t tell you what to do or how to be. Instead, they will help you develop and reach goals that are meaningful to you. Create a life that is fulfilling for you. Foster relationships that celebrate the real you. To help you bloom into your favorite version of you.
Affirming care centers the person and their autonomy, their goals, their experiences. Affirming care and providers meet you where you are. They support your sensory needs, they adapt to your communication style and are open to suggestions. They allow you to be you. They nurture who you are and don’t shame you. They acknowledge intersectionality - meaning they acknowledge your other identities and the struggles you have faced due to this. They believe you. They presume you know your shit and don’t infantilize you. They may even help you dismantle the neurotypical expectations of how to exist in the world and how that has impacted you.
How can you tell if a provider or service is affirming?
Green Flags
They use identify first language of “autistic individual” or ask you about your personal preference for language.
They ask you what your goals are and support you with creating them.
They are person centered, meaning they treat you with dignity/respect and empower you to reach your own unique potential.
They focus on trying to understand your inner world including your thoughts, emotions, past experiences, sensory sensitivities or environmental triggers.
They use active listening, a warm/positive regard, reflective questions and building a trusting relationship to promote growth.
They accept you exactly as you are. You are able to communicate they way you prefer and stim.
They ask about sensory sensitivities and are willing to adapt the environment to your sensory needs.
They promote a variety of supports and services that address the whole person, like occupational therapy, speech therapy, community support groups, etc.
They are open to your feedback and suggestions.
They use the infinity symbol.
They make a continuous effort to learn about Neurodivergent Affirming Care and center Neurodivergent people’s perspectives.
Red Flags
They use terms like “adult with autism” or “child suffering from autism.”
They tell you what your or your child’s goals should be, based off of neuro-normative standards or “typical development.”
They use ABA (applied behavioral analysis) or it’s principals.
They primarily focus on treating/eliminating behaviors.
They rely on punishment and reward systems for change.
They don’t allow stimming or the use of self-soothing tools, usually because “it looks weird,”
They force your or your child to make/hold eye contact. They do not support usage of alternative communication methods like writing, visuals or AAC devices.
They do not ask about, address or care to meet your sensory needs. They are unwilling to adapt the environment.
They recommend an unreasonably high amount of therapy or treatment hours, ex: 20 or 40 hours per week.
They are rigid in their beliefs of what therapy/treatment should look like and are not open to changes.
They support Autism Speaks or use the puzzle piece.
They are not receptive or open to learning more about Neurodivergent Affirming Care. They center Neurotypical perspectives and their views on how to treat Neurodivergent people.
