What is a Neurodiverse Affirming Approach?
A neurodiverse affirming approach isn’t meant to change you or to teach you to be robotic and blend into societal standards of “normal behavior”. A neurodiverse affirming approach is all about accepting who you are, helping you understand how your brain works, and identifying what supports you need to better operate in the world. It also helps you figure out and embrace the strengths and superpowers that come with your neurodiversity!
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity challenges the binary of “normal’ and “abnormal” brain functioning. Neurodiversity honors that diverse brain structures are an important part of being human. Neurodiversity is a combination of different factors and experiences and is not a linear spectrum. Individuals who identify as neurodivergent may experience a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or other neurocognitive differences.
Relational and Systemic Factors are Important! Challenging Oppressive Systems
Instead of focusing solely on individual behaviors or skills, neurodiverse affirming approaches zoom out to see the broader context in which each person lives. I work with my clients to explore relationships, environments, and societal structures that shape an individual's present and past experiences. We work to address these barriers, find access to resources, and figure out what community could look like.
Neurodiverse affirming approaches challenges harmful stereotypes and advocates for inclusivity and equity and that people with neurodiversity don’t need to restrict how they express themselves. For example, in academia, there is often an over emphasis on “each student being treated equally and fairly”, when in reality someone who is autistic with learning and attention challenges may need additional accommodations to support their academic success.
Behavioral Therapy vs. Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a common term that you will see when searching for therapy support for neurodiversity. Behavioral therapy centers on modifying behaviors. Behavioral therapy may ignore underlying emotional experiences and may encourage neurodiverse people to conform to certain societal norms of behavior that encourage people to “mask” aspects of their neurodiversity. In contrast, a neurodiverse affirming approach is about understanding, respecting, and affirming the individual's neurodiversity.
In behavioral therapy, the focus can be on 'correcting' behaviors or teaching 'appropriate' social skills. However, these approaches can inadvertently send a harmful message – that being neurodivergent is a problem to be fixed. The definition of ‘normal’ is a subjective term that is rooted in the medical model, the search for “cures”, and isn’t inclusive for people with diverse brains. A neurodiverse affirming approach radically rejects this notion.
Why Social Skills Training Falls Short
Now, about social skills training. While acquiring social skills is valuable, when it becomes a one-size-fits-all approach, it can miss the mark. Social differences aren't a deficit to be corrected. A neurodiverse affirming approach recognizes that social skills are complex and context-dependent. It values authentic connection and flexibility over scripted interactions. When I have a client with social difficulties, we figure out how they can show up as themselves given the neurotypical world that they are navigating. We might also practice flexibility and imagining taking on different roles in specific social situations that are relevant to their lives such as being a leader or a follower during an activity. We may also do role playing to figure out how to respond and cope with different social situations.
Identify Neurodiversity Superpowers
Supporting neurodiverse people begins with recognizing and celebrating their unique strengths – their neurodiversity superpowers. Rather than focusing solely on challenges, acknowledging the positive aspects is crucial. Take, for instance, a child's special interest. Understanding its value allows the child to become an expert in a particular domain, boosting confidence and creates a sense of contribution. I once worked with an autistic child who memorized house addresses that were for sale on the way to school and he would look up images of the house and draw the floor plans. Instead of being concerned that he doesn’t draw a variety of things, we celebrated his awesome interests in interior design, spatial planning and architecture. People who are autistic may be extremely empathetic and have an excellent memory. Research has shown that ADHD can be associated with increased creativity, generating innovative solutions, and taking positive risks in career decisions.
Centering Neurodiverse Voices and Disability Justice
Prioritize the experiences and insights of neurodiverse people. Actively engage with neurodiverse people, center their narratives and voices and work to understand them. If you want to better understand how they see their neurodiverse identity and how they process things, ask directly and don’t go based on your assumptions!
Being neurodiversity-affirming requires intentional effort. When working with parents, my goal is to help parents nurture neurodivergent children into healthy, confident adults who don't spend their lives masking their true selves. When working with adults, we work to unlearn internalized messages, define what unmasking looks like to them, and figure out what supports they might need.
Seeking Support
A neurodiversity affirming approach recognizes and values neurological differences, understanding that each mind has its unique strengths, challenges, and ways of navigating the world.
A neurodiverse affirming approach creates a space where all minds can thrive and feel safe, without being restricted by oppressive norms.
Schedule a consultation call with me if you're curious to explore neurodiverse affirming coaching or therapy services further.
