Neurodiversity Affirming: Embracing the Differences and Applying it into Practice
By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L
What is Neurodiversity?
Being neurodivergent is living, interacting with, and seeing the world in a way that is unique to each individual brain. Every person has strengths and challenges that are unique to their own brain structure and make up. These differences in the brain are not weaknesses that need to be cured or fixed. The challenges experienced may cause some people to need more support than others, but they can also excel in areas that other individuals aren't so good in.
Most common diagnoses of people who are identified as neurodivergent:
Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Tourette's
Dyspraxia/ Apraxia
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Down Syndrome
Embracing the Differences
“Neurodiversity Affirming“ means embracing the differences in a person and providing them with the skills and tools necessary to make their challenges easier for them and their loved ones. It does not seek to eliminate self-regulating actions that are unique to a person, such as stimming. It takes into consideration how a person's environment and social life can make their challenges greater.
Neurodiversity Affirming uses language that empowers neurodivergent people, rather than hurt their self-esteem! See more specific examples listed on our Instagram page linked here.
Applying it into practice
Neurodiversity Affirming can look like:
Respecting a person's decisions about their own body, such as using hand under hand method rather than forcing them to “comply”.
Presuming the person understands, speaking directly to the person and not through a caregiver, or about them in front of them.
Understanding that communication varies with each individual and does not have to be the neurotypical way of making eye contact, “looking” like they are listening, or using spoken language.
Non speaking does not mean non thinking!
Not assuming that a person does not want to engage in an activity unless stated by them, it could be their body is not responding the way they want it to. Speaking to neurodivergent individuals in an age appropriate manner, using language and tone used with a neurotypical person of the same age. Instead of expecting compliance with punishments or “reward” systems, engaging with the students and their special interests.
Take Home Points
The term Neurodivergent is inclusive of people who were once considered outside of the "norm" allowing for the elimination of ableism and the inclusion of individuals with unique brains. Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches eliminate ideas once considered practical, it empowers neurodivergent individuals by introducing less harmful terms, presuming competence and restoring bodily autonomy. Implementing this practice in school, home and other social settings will provide the necessary tools for a neurodivergent person to better understand how to manage their challenges and how to embrace themselves fully.
References
Hughes, Michaela. “A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: What Is It and How Can It Support Your Child(Ren) Michaela Hughes.” Your Mind Matters, 17 Jan. 2023, https://yourmindmatters.net.au/a-neurodiversity-affirming-approach-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-support-your-children/