What does Neurodiversity and Neurodiversity-Affirming Mean?
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You may have heard the term "neurodiversity", "neurodiversity-affirming" or "neurodivergent" either from social media, school staff, medical providers, or friends. Maybe you haven't heard of these terms at all? Like most terms it helps to truly define their meaning in order to really understand these concepts and how it can impact how we perceive diagnoses and neurological differences.
The term "neurodiversity" was first coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, in the late 1990's. In her book, "Neurodiversity, The Birth Of An Idea", Singer postulates that "just as biodiversity is essential to ecosystem stability, so neurodiversity may be essential for cultural stability." In other words, brain differences are fundamentally necessary, as the variations of skills that each unique brain possesses is what allows our culture and society to continue to exist. Many "diagnoses" such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette Syndrome, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder would be considered a natural neurological variation. These neurological differences are natural and therefore beneficial as opposed to something that needs to be "cured" or eliminated. An individual who may identify with any one or more of these neurological variations may consider themselves "neurodivergent", while those who do not would be considered "neurotypical".
What does it mean to be neurodiversity-affirming?
Historically, interventions for neurodivergent children and young adults have primarily focused on “curing” these differences and perpetuating the concept of normalcy. Through this medical model lens, healthcare providers and educators inadvertently cause undue harm using approaches that solely focus on the diagnosis and individual weaknesses. Additionally, neurodivergent individuals are often not given necessary accommodations or included in their own care. By doing so, it slowly diminishes an individuals self-esteem, self-identity, and self-worth. When forced to "mask" (i.e., to suppress or hide neurodivergent traits in order to appear neurotypical), it can lead to significant mental health challenges.
The term “neurodiversity-affirming” (ND affirming) is an evolving philosophy of support which centralizes the lived experiences of the neurodivergent person. An ND affirming provider accepts these individual differences and accommodates individual variations of skills. Advocacy for changes to the environment, social norms and stigmas, are also at the forefront of the movement, as these factors can be more “disabling” than the diagnosis. For instance, a neurodivergent person can flourish in an adapted environment that promotes acceptance and awareness of learning differences .
So what does a neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy look like? Being ND affirming includes:
Respecting each individuals unique neurocognitive profile and validating their way of thinking and how they experience the world around them.
Identifying and leveraging an individuals strengths and abilities rather than specifically focusing on deficits.
Presuming that all individuals have the capacity to learn in their own unique way and supporting their learning differences.
Tailoring therapy sessions to an individuals specific needs and goals by allowing them to collaborate in their own care and respecting their autonomy.
Honoring all forms of communication, not just spoken words. All modalities of communication are accepted and valid. All "behavior" is a form of communication.
Advocating for individual rights of inclusion and acceptance in society, and empowering individuals to self-advocate.
Avoiding and advocating against use of compliance based interventions (e.g., ABA and PBIS) that aims to force neurodivergent individuals to conform to neurotypical standards. Understanding that compliance based approaches produce short term solutions and does not help to establish intrinsic motivation and independence.
Neurodiversity-affirming approaches to therapy seeks to create a welcoming environment that respects, supports, and empowers neurodivergent individuals and their families. It helps to foster positive self identity and to promote overall well being.
References:
Dundon, R. (2023). A Therapist's Guide to Neurodiversity Affirming Practice with Children and Young People
Singer, J. (2017). Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform