Neurodiversity Affirming - So Much More Than a Buzzword

It seems our acceptable vocabulary is constantly changing. Words, phrases, and labels can go from being common language one day to being replaced by "politically correct" language the next. And I've gotta say — I'm here for it. These changes in language are not intended to cause endless confusion; they are to support an ever changing society. Instead of politically correct, I like to think of it as socially responsive. A community expresses how a term impacts them and shares a preference for a less harmful word or phrase. When society at large adopts that change in language, that is socially responsive — caring about how their words impact those outside their inner circle. Disability has had many socially responsive term changes in recent years. The problem is when these terms become buzzwords used by professionals as a means of marketing without a shift in their values or as an accurate reflection of their practice.

Key Terms

A major buzzword in the disability space now is "neurodiversity affirming." It can be incredibly misleading when professionals use this term without a full dedication to the term's meaning and importance. Before we can dive into what "neurodiversity affirming" actually means, let's cover some other key terms:

• neurodiversity - the natural diversity of all human minds

• neurodivergent - refers to someone whose mind works differently than what society considers "normal"

  • **neurodivergent is not a diagnosis; it is an identity or umbrella term that includes a wide range of neurotypes

  • ***a person may be neurodivergent whether they were born with a diverging neurotype (innate neurodivergence) or aquired neurodivergence later in life. Example of conditions related to innate neurodivergence are ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Down Syndrome, etc. Examples of conditions related to acquired neurodivergence are PTSD, traumatic brain injury. CPTSD, etc.

• neurotype - a term often used to describe an individual's personal cognitive style, support needs, strengths, and preferences

• neurotypical - refers to someone whose mind and abilities are considered "normal" by society

Neurodiversity Affirming Indicators

To be neurodiversity affirming is to accept everyone regardless of the cognitive style or abilities. To be neurodiversity affirming is to be culturally responsive, trauma informed, and to be a safe space regardless of race, gender, orientation, ethnicity, neurotype, or disability. A truly neurodiversity affirming business, professional, or individual appreciates the importance of learning from disabled individuals and demonstrates a willingness to always learn and grow.

Here are some indicators of traditional versus neuroaffirming professional:

Traditional Providers...

• use practices rooted in behaviorism

  
  

• are informed by research which is often outdated

• do not question the way things are done

  
  

• judge play and social skills by comparing to neurotypical standards and milestones

• use deficit-based language

• interventions serve to make the child appear neurotypical (masking)

• may or may not advocate for policy change

• prioritize compliance as a progress indicator

Neurodiversity Affirming Providers...

• use practices rooted in inclusion, acceptance, and harm reduction

• are informed by multiple sources including those with lived experience

• are committed to lifelong learning and professional growth

• honor and appreciate all forms of play and social preferences.

• use strength-based language

• supports individuals to attain personal growth and accessibility in their environment which encouraging them to be their genuine selves (unmasking)

• advocate for policy and societal view changes

• value connection over compliance, honor, individual autonomy, and only prioritize compliance for matters of safety

Traditional vs Neuroaffirming Impact

Being disabled is not inherently traumatic. However, living in a world designed for able

bodied, neurotypical people, can result in trauma for disabled people. Using traditional practices increases the likelihood of trauma occurring. While no one professional can guarantee that their clients never experience trauma, we can practice harm reduction strategies and do our best to ensure we are not the ones causing the trauma. Traditional practices focus on behaviorism, compliance, and masking. These practices tell the neurodivergent person that their natural way of existing is wrong and limits their ability to self regulate which can cause complex trauma over time.

Neurodiversity affirming care focuses on autonomy, connection, and regulation to support neurodivergent clients. While we cannot control every experience and environment, we do our part by practicing harm reduction strategies to prevent trauma from occurring in our presence. We also advocate and educate other professionals when we can for harm reduction strategies. A provider cannot consider themselves neuroaffirming without being trauma informed — which means to understand that trauma impacts individuals, systems, and communities and to prevent re-traumatizing someone by using harm reduction strategies. A provider does not need to know an individual's trauma in order to be trauma informed. This also requires being culturally responsive, by recognizing that what is neuroaffirming and beneficial for one, could cause harm to another due to other systemic issues such as racial discrimination. For example, masking can save the life of a person of color by preventing them to be harmed by authorities for behaviors such as stimming, which ill-informed authorities may interpret as being under the influence. This is another reason why it is so important that we learn from the disability community with a variety of backgrounds and disabilities. Some of my favorites to learn from are:

What To Do With This Information...

All of this to say, the next time you hear someone identify themselves as neurodiversity affirming, take a moment to assess if you agree with that statement. Parents do not have to hire a therapist just because they say they are neuroaffirming. It is okay to have them prove it. You can use the indicators above to ask questions and see if their values truly align with your own. It is okay to question providers. It is okay to fire providers. You -- the parent -- have the right to feel comfortable with who is supporting or teaching your child.

References

• University at Buffalo School of Social Work. (2024, May 29). What is Trauma-Informed Care?. University at Buffalo School of Social Work. https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.html

• Wise, S. J. (n.d.). @livedexperienceeducator • instagram. https://www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator/