Key Highlights
- A neurodivergent affirming approach to the autism spectrum values neurological differences as natural human variations.
- This model shifts away from “fixing” autistic individuals and instead focuses on supporting their strengths and needs.
- The neurodiversity movement, started by autistic advocates, promotes acceptance and challenges the idea that neurodivergence is a deficit.
- Affirming care has been shown to improve mental health outcomes for autistic people by creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Core principles include respecting autonomy, fostering a positive identity, and collaborating with individuals on their goals.
Introduction
Have you ever heard the term “neurodivergent affirming” and wondered what it means for someone on the autism spectrum? There’s a significant shift happening in how we understand and support neurodivergent people. The neurodiversity movement is changing the conversation from one of deficits to one of differences. This guide will walk you through what it means to be neurodivergent, explaining how this positive approach celebrates unique perspectives and helps create a more accepting world for everyone.
Understanding Autism and Neurodivergence
Being autism neurodivergent affirming means recognizing that the brains of autistic individuals simply work differently, rather than viewing these differences as problems that need to be corrected. This perspective moves away from the traditional medical model, which focuses on deficits, and embraces a social model that sees challenges arising from a world not built for neurodivergent traits.
For neurodivergent individuals, this shift is empowering. It validates their experiences and acknowledges their inherent strengths. Understanding the core concepts of autism and neurodivergence is the first step toward adopting this supportive mindset.
Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a range of neurological differences that affect how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. The neurodiversity model suggests that these differences are not flaws but natural variations in the human brain. Instead of seeing autism as something to be “treated,” this model encourages understanding and accommodation.
Traditionally, the diagnosis of autism has been framed within a medical context that emphasizes deficits. However, the neurodiversity-affirming view challenges this. It posits that many of the difficulties autistic people face are due to a mismatch between their needs and an environment designed for neurotypical individuals.
This perspective is changing clinical work. The focus is shifting from trying to make an autistic person appear “normal” to supporting them in navigating the world authentically. This includes recognizing their strengths and finding ways to accommodate their unique ways of thinking and processing information.
What Does Neurodivergence Mean?
“Neurodivergent” is a non-medical term that refers to people whose brains function differently from what is considered “typical.” This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Increasingly, people with certain mental health conditions and significant trauma histories are also considered part of this group, highlighting the wide spectrum of neurological diversity.
Adopting a neurodivergent identity can be empowering. It allows individuals to see their neurodivergent traits not as shortcomings but as integral parts of who they are. This perspective is central to autism neurodivergent affirming, as it validates a person’s lived experience and unique perspective.
This understanding is crucial because neurodivergent people often face specific challenges, such as navigating social systems that don’t accommodate their needs. This can lead to higher rates of trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. An affirming approach addresses these issues holistically.
Differences Between Neurodivergent and Neurotypical
The main difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical people lies in how their brains process information and experience the world. “Neurotypical” describes individuals whose brain functions fall within the societal standard of “normal.” In contrast, neurodivergent brains operate outside of these typical parameters.
This doesn’t mean one way of thinking is better than the other; there is simply a meaningful difference. The challenges neurodivergent individuals often face come from living in a world primarily designed for neurotypical people. For example, a noisy, bright office might be manageable for a neurotypical person but overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities.
Key differences can be seen in areas like:
- Information Processing: Neurodivergent brains may process sensory input, emotions, and social cues differently.
- Communication Styles: Communication may be more direct or rely on alternative methods beyond typical verbal and nonverbal cues.
- Focus and Attention: The ability to hyperfocus on interests is a common neurodivergent strength, while attention may wander in other areas.
What Is Neurodivergent Affirming in Autism Care?
Neurodivergent affirming care for the autism spectrum is a mindset and a practice that embraces autism as a natural part of human diversity. Instead of trying to change or suppress the traits of autistic people, this approach focuses on understanding their unique needs, validating their experiences, and celebrating their strengths.
It’s a departure from traditional treatments that often aim to make autistic individuals fit into a neurotypical mold. This affirming practice is about helping people thrive as their authentic selves. The following sections explore what this practice looks like and where it came from.
Explanation of Neurodivergent Affirming Practice
A neurodivergent affirming practice operates within the neurodiversity paradigm, which views neurological differences as valuable and natural. The core goal is not to “cure” or “normalize” neurodivergent people but to support them in a way that aligns with their identity and goals. It means listening to the individual and letting them lead the way in their own care.
This approach acknowledges that the challenges neurodivergent people face often stem from a society that fails to accommodate them. Therefore, therapy techniques focus on building skills for self-advocacy and navigating an often-unaccommodating world, rather than suppressing natural behaviors like stimming.
For example, a therapist wouldn’t try to stop a person from using fidget toys if it helps them focus. Instead, they would explore how that tool supports them. The practice is flexible, empowering, and centered on improving a person’s quality of life on their own terms.
Origins and Development of the Neurodiversity Model
The neurodiversity movement began in the 1990s, pioneered by advocates within the autistic community. These individuals challenged the prevailing view that autism was a disease or disorder that needed to be cured. They argued that autism is a natural variation of the human brain, not an inherent pathology.
This movement is deeply rooted in the social model of disability. This model proposes that a person is “disabled” not by their impairment or difference but by a society that is not designed to accommodate their needs. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair is disabled by a lack of ramps, not by their inability to walk. Similarly, an autistic person may be disabled by a loud, chaotic environment, not by their autism itself.
By applying this lens to autism, the neurodiversity model shifts the focus from “fixing” the individual to fixing the environment. It calls for greater acceptance, accommodation, and inclusion in all areas of life, from schools and workplaces to social settings.
Key Terminology in Neurodivergent Affirming Approaches
Understanding the language of neurodivergent affirming care is essential for putting its principles into practice. This terminology reflects a deep respect for individual identity and experience. For example, the choice of language is deeply personal and should always be respected.
These terms often appear in clinical settings, from intake forms to therapy sessions, and signal a provider’s commitment to affirming care. They help create an environment where clients feel seen, understood, and supported from the very first interaction.
Here are some key terms:
- Identity-First Language: Using terms like “autistic person” emphasizes that autism is an integral part of identity.
- Person-First Language: Using phrases like “person with autism” prioritizes the individual before the condition. The preference is personal.
- Stimming: Self-stimulatory behavior, seen as a natural and often necessary form of self-regulation.
- Alternative Communication Methods: Recognizing and respecting non-verbal forms of communication, such as using visual aids or art.
- Masking/Camouflaging: The conscious or unconscious suppression of natural autistic traits to fit in with neurotypical expectations.
Core Principles of Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy
Neurodivergent affirming therapy is built on a foundation of respect, empowerment, and collaboration. The primary goal is to provide mental health treatment that honors the individual needs of each neurodivergent client. This means therapy techniques are adapted to suit different processing styles and experiences.
Rather than imposing goals, this approach works with clients to identify what is meaningful to them. It’s about building a partnership where the therapist’s expertise supports the client’s journey toward well-being. The following principles are at the heart of this practice.
Focusing on Strengths and Abilities
A key pillar of neurodivergent affirming therapy is its strengths-based approach. Instead of focusing on perceived deficits, therapists help individuals identify and leverage their unique abilities. This positive and validating method helps people build confidence and live as their authentic self.
This focus improves quality of life by celebrating what makes a person unique. Strengths can be cognitive, like an incredible long-term memory for facts or the ability to hyperfocus, or they can be personality traits like honesty, loyalty, and a strong sense of fairness.
An affirming therapist might help a client explore how to use these strengths in daily life. This could include:
- Finding hobbies or careers that align with special interests.
- Using a talent for visual thinking to solve problems.
- Recognizing deep compassion as a tool for building meaningful connections.
- Employing alternative communication methods to express complex ideas effectively.
Valuing Individual Identity and Perspectives
A neurodiversity affirming perspective is vital because it validates the identity of autistic individuals. This approach views the autistic person as the expert on their own life. It draws on the idea that our knowledge is shaped by our social experiences, meaning that the unique perspective of a neurodivergent person is an invaluable source of understanding.
The neurodiversity approach recognizes that the neurodivergent people experience the world in a way that a neurotypical person cannot fully grasp. Research has even shown that autistic people often have a more scientifically grounded and less stigmatizing understanding of autism than non-autistic people.
Valuing this perspective means that therapy is client-led, with goals centered on the individual’s well-being and happiness, not on conforming to external expectations. This fosters a positive identity and has been linked to better mental health outcomes, as it empowers individuals to embrace who they are.
Respecting Autonomy and Choice
Respecting autonomy and choice is fundamental to neurodivergent affirming therapy. This principle ensures that the individual is in the driver’s seat of their own care. It fosters independence by empowering them to make decisions about their goals, therapies, and support systems.
This collaborative care model means therapists work with clients, not on them. Goals and outcomes are therefore more meaningful because they are directly tied to the person’s own desires and needs. For example, a goal might be to develop strategies for managing sensory overload in public, rather than forcing tolerance of an overwhelming environment.
Therapists can respect autonomy and choice by:
- Asking about preferred language (e.g., “autistic person” vs. “person with autism”).
- Allowing the client to lead conversations and set the pace of therapy.
- Offering choices in therapeutic activities, such as using visual aids or text-based communication.
- Collaboratively creating goals that enhance the person’s life on their terms.
Neurodivergent Affirming vs Traditional Autism Treatments
The difference between neurodivergent affirming and traditional autism treatments is significant. Traditional treatment often stems from a medical model, which views autism as a disorder to be corrected. The goal is frequently to reduce autistic behaviors so the person can better fit into a neurotypical world.
In contrast, a neurodivergent affirming approach is based on the social model. It sees the environment, not the individual, as the primary source of challenges. This leads to a profound difference in goals, methods, and outcomes, which we will explore next.
Traditional Treatment Methods for Autism
For a long time, the primary goal of many autism treatments was to reduce or eliminate outward neurodivergent behaviors. Approaches like some forms of social skills training have focused on teaching autistic individuals to mimic neurotypical social cues, even if it feels unnatural. This can lead to masking, where a person hides their true self to avoid judgment.
While therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful, in a traditional context they might be used to change thought patterns that are simply part of a person’s neurotype. This focus on “fixing” can be harmful, leaving individuals feeling that their authentic self is wrong or unacceptable.
This type of mental health treatment fails to address the root causes of the challenges an autistic person faces, such as sensory overload or communication differences. Instead of providing real support, these methods can be traumatizing and lead to long-term negative mental health outcomes.
How Affirming Practices Differ from Conventional Approaches
Neurodiversity affirming practices are fundamentally different because they reject the idea that autistic people need to be “fixed.” Instead of focusing on deficits, a neurodivergent affirming approach celebrates strengths and accommodates differences. It operates from the social model of disability, which locates the problem in societal barriers, not the individual.
This shift in perspective changes everything about the therapeutic process. The goal is no longer to appear “less autistic” but to build a life that is fulfilling and authentic for the autistic person. Therapy becomes a space for self-discovery and empowerment.
Here is how affirming practices differ:
- Goal Setting: Goals are collaborative and focus on well-being and self-advocacy, not conformity.
- Behaviors: Natural behaviors like stimming are seen as valid forms of self-regulation, not problems to be extinguished.
- Identity: Autism is viewed as a core part of a person’s identity to be embraced, not a condition to be managed.
- Focus: The focus is on adapting the environment and providing tools, rather than changing the person.
Comparing Outcomes and Satisfaction Levels
The outcomes and satisfaction levels between traditional and affirming approaches differ significantly. Research shows that neurodiversity-affirming mental health treatment leads to better mental health outcomes. When individuals feel accepted and understood, their overall quality of life improves. They report higher self-esteem and lower levels of internal stigma.
In contrast, traditional approaches that encourage masking can lead to autistic burnout, anxiety, and depression. While the goal may be to improve social interactions, the long-term cost to a person’s mental health can be immense. Satisfaction with therapy is much higher when the outcome is empowerment rather than conformity.
Here’s a comparison of the typical outcomes: | Feature | Traditional Approach | Neurodivergent Affirming Approach | |—|—|—| | Self-Esteem | Often lowered due to focus on deficits and need to mask. | Increased through focus on strengths and positive identity. | | Mental Health | Higher risk of anxiety, depression, and autistic burnout. | Better mental health outcomes and reduced internal stigma. | | Social Skills | Teaches masking and mimicking neurotypical behavior. | Develops authentic communication and self-advocacy skills. | | Satisfaction | Lower satisfaction due to feeling misunderstood or pressured. | Higher satisfaction due to collaborative and respectful care. |
Why Neurodiversity Affirming Perspectives Matter
Adopting a neurodiversity affirming perspective matters because it has a profound and positive impact on the mental health and well-being of autistic individuals. It is a crucial part of the broader neurodiversity movement, which advocates for a world that accepts and accommodates all ways of thinking.
When we shift our focus from “fixing” to “affirming,” we help reduce stigma and build a more inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to thrive. Let’s explore the specific ways this perspective makes a difference.
Positive Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being
A neurodiversity affirming perspective is crucial for the mental health and well-being of autistic individuals because it provides a safe and supportive space. Many autistic people have negative experiences in healthcare settings where they feel dismissed or misunderstood. This can be traumatizing and cause them to avoid seeking help.
Affirming therapy counteracts this by validating their experiences and needs. It helps individuals unlearn the harmful message that their natural traits are wrong. This validation is key to building self-esteem and reducing the high rates of anxiety and depression seen in the neurodivergent community.
Even traditional techniques like mindfulness practices can be adapted to be more affirming. For example, instead of traditional meditation, which can be difficult for some, a therapist might suggest mindfulness of stimming or grounding in the five senses. This flexibility ensures that therapeutic tools work for the person, not against them, promoting genuine well-being.
Reducing Stigma and Misconceptions
One of the most important roles of the neurodiversity affirming movement is to dismantle stigma and correct long-standing misconceptions about autism. For decades, autism has been framed as a tragedy or a deficit. This perspective fosters fear and misunderstanding, creating a world that is unwelcoming to autistic individuals.
An affirming approach challenges these harmful ideas by presenting autism as a natural form of human diversity. It educates others that autistic traits are not bad behaviors but are often related to how the nervous system processes the world. This helps prevent issues like autistic burnout, which is often caused by the immense pressure to mask and conform.
By reducing stigma, we can:
- Promote acceptance in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Encourage people to see the strengths in autistic ways of thinking.
- Correct the misconception that autism needs to be cured.
- Create a safer world where autistic people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.
Building Inclusive Environments for Autistic Individuals
Building an inclusive environment is a core goal of the neurodiversity affirming movement. This means changing our surroundings to better accommodate the needs of autistic individuals, rather than expecting them to change. An inclusive environment reduces the daily challenges they face, allowing them to participate more fully in society.
Inclusivity can be applied in many settings, from classrooms and offices to public spaces. It involves being mindful of sensory inputs, communication styles, and social expectations. For example, understanding that an autistic person may process social interactions differently can lead to more patient and effective communication.
Ways to build an inclusive environment include:
- Providing quiet spaces for sensory breaks.
- Using clear and direct language, and offering visible cues.
- Accepting and supporting alternative communication methods.
- Being flexible with expectations around things like eye contact or small talk.
Neurodivergent Affirming Practices in Support Settings
Applying neurodivergent affirming practices in real-world support settings is how this philosophy creates tangible change. Whether at home, school, or in a therapist’s office, these practices are about tailoring support to individual needs. This can involve everything from rethinking clinical work to creating a more accessible virtual space for telehealth.
The goal is to move beyond theory and implement strategies that genuinely help individuals on the autism spectrum thrive. The following sections offer concrete examples of what this looks like in various environments.
Creating Affirming Spaces at Home and School
Creating an inclusive environment at home and school is crucial for a child’s well-being. This starts with looking at the world through a sensory lens. Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells can be overwhelming for an autistic child. Making simple adjustments can make a world of difference.
At home, this might mean creating a designated quiet corner with soft lighting and comfortable seating. It could also involve providing sensory tools like weighted blankets or smooth rocks to hold. At school, teachers can help by allowing a student to wear noise-canceling headphones or take breaks when needed.
Here are some ways to create affirming spaces:
- Use visual schedules and other visible cues to make routines predictable.
- Offer choices whenever possible to give a sense of control.
- Educate family members and classmates about autism to foster understanding.
- Avoid forcing participation in overwhelming social events.
How Therapists Apply Affirming Strategies
Affirming therapists apply strategies that are flexible, responsive, and client-centered. A key part of their clinical work is adapting proven therapy techniques to fit the needs of a neurodivergent client. For example, they might modify Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to ensure that its recommendations don’t conflict with the client’s natural traits.
When addressing social skills, an affirming therapist will focus on building authentic communication and self-advocacy rather than teaching a client to mimic neurotypical behaviors. The goal is to help the client navigate social situations comfortably as themselves, not as a masked version of themselves.
This approach requires therapists to be well-informed about the neurodivergent experience and to continuously learn from their clients. They might offer telehealth appointments or online scheduling to make care more accessible and reduce the stress of phone calls and travel, showing respect for the client’s needs from the very first step.
Real-Life Examples in ABA and Educational Settings
In recent years, the neurodiversity approach has begun to influence practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and educational settings. While traditional ABA has been criticized for its focus on compliance and eliminating autistic behaviors, a more modern, affirming version is emerging. This new approach prioritizes the child’s autonomy, happiness, and consent.
In education, the principle of “Nothing about me without me” is gaining traction. This means involving autistic students in creating their own learning plans and goals. Instead of just focusing on academic performance, educators are looking at the whole child, including their social and emotional well-being.
Here are some real-life examples:
- Affirming ABA: Focusing on teaching functional life skills that the child wants to learn, rather than forcing eye contact or stopping stimming.
- Inclusive Classrooms: Allowing students to use fidget tools, offering different ways to complete assignments (e.g., written vs. oral), and teaching all students about neurodiversity.
- Collaborative Research: Including autistic individuals as co-researchers in studies about autism to ensure their lived experiences are accurately represented.
Goals and Benefits of Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy
The goals and benefits of neurodivergent affirming therapy are centered on empowerment and authentic living. The primary goal is to improve an individual’s quality of life by helping them understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and build a life that is meaningful to them.
The benefits extend beyond the therapy room, leading to increased confidence, better mental health, and stronger self-advocacy skills. This approach helps people not just to cope, but to thrive. Let’s delve into how these goals are set and the powerful benefits they bring.
Setting Collaborative and Meaningful Goals
In neurodivergent affirming therapy, setting goals is a process of collaborative care. The therapist and client work together to identify what a meaningful goal looks like for the individual. This ensures that the objectives of therapy are relevant to the person’s life and aspirations, rather than being imposed by an external standard of “normalcy.”
This approach respects individual needs and preferences. A meaningful goal for one person might be to develop strategies for managing sensory sensitivities at work, while for another, it might be to explore their autistic identity and connect with the neurodivergent community.
The therapy techniques used are chosen to support these personalized goals. This collaborative process ensures that the outcomes of therapy are truly beneficial to the person’s well-being. Examples of collaborative goals could include:
- Building skills to communicate needs effectively to family and friends.
- Finding ways to engage in special interests to reduce stress.
- Developing strategies for coping with autistic burnout.
- Learning to unmask in safe environments.
Empowering Autistic Children and Adults
A neurodiversity affirming perspective is a powerful tool for the empowerment of both autistic children and adults. By validating their experiences and treating them as experts in their own lives, this approach helps build a strong sense of self-worth. It counters the negative messages they may have received from a world that doesn’t understand them.
For autistic adults, this can be a transformative experience, especially for those diagnosed later in life. It can help them reframe their past struggles and build a positive identity around their neurotype. For children, it lays a foundation of self-acceptance that can last a lifetime.
Empowerment comes in many forms, including:
- Understanding one’s own strengths and needs.
- Learning the skills for self-advocacy in various settings.
- Connecting with the broader autistic community for support and solidarity.
- Feeling confident to be one’s authentic self.
Promoting Self-Advocacy and Independence
A major goal and benefit of neurodivergent affirming therapy is the promotion of self-advocacy and independence. Empowerment is not just about feeling good; it’s about having the tools and confidence to create a life that works for you. Self-advocacy is the ability to understand and communicate your own needs effectively.
This therapy helps individuals identify their unique neurodivergent traits and learn how to ask for the accommodations they need to succeed. This could be asking for written instructions at work, requesting a quiet space at a family gathering, or explaining to a friend why eye contact is difficult.
By building these skills, individuals gain greater independence. They become less reliant on others to interpret their needs and more capable of navigating the world on their own terms. This can lead to:
- Increased confidence in social and professional situations.
- Greater control over one’s own environment.
- Stronger and more authentic relationships.
- A reduced need for constant support from others.
Overcoming Challenges in Non-Affirming Environments
Autistic individuals often face significant barriers in non-affirming environments. These settings, which can range from doctors’ offices to workplaces, are not designed to accommodate neurodivergent needs. This lack of understanding can lead to exclusion, stress, and negative health outcomes.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating change. The following sections will detail the common barriers autistic individuals face and offer strategies to address and prevent the exclusion that results from them.
Common Barriers Faced by Autistic Individuals
In non-affirming environments, autistic individuals encounter numerous barriers that can impact their daily lives and well-being. These challenges often stem from a lack of understanding and a pervasive stigma surrounding autism. For example, many report negative experiences with medical care, including dismissive providers and difficulty with the logistics of appointments.
These constant hurdles can be exhausting and lead to autistic burnout, a state of profound exhaustion caused by the stress of trying to navigate a world not built for you. This can result in social withdrawal and exclusion, as individuals may avoid situations that they know will be draining or invalidating.
Common barriers include:
- Communication Mismatches: Being misunderstood or judged for direct communication styles.
- Sensory Overload: Coping with overwhelming waiting rooms, offices, or public spaces.
- Dismissive Attitudes: Having their support needs or even their diagnosis questioned by professionals.
- Inflexible Systems: Struggling with rigid processes like scheduling appointments only by phone.
- Social Expectations: Facing pressure to make eye contact or engage in small talk, which can be draining.
Strategies to Address and Prevent Exclusion
Addressing and preventing the exclusion of autistic individuals requires a conscious effort to build a more inclusive environment. The responsibility for change lies with society, not with the individual. The key is to be flexible and willing to make accommodations.
In healthcare, this can mean offering telehealth appointments and online scheduling to remove barriers to accessing care. In workplaces and schools, it involves educating staff and peers about neurodiversity and implementing policies that support different ways of working and learning. Prevention of exclusion starts with education and empathy.
Strategies to promote inclusion include:
- Offering Multiple Communication Options: Providing online messaging or email for questions and scheduling.
- Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Designing areas with reduced noise and lighting.
- Educating Providers and Staff: Training professionals on neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- Promoting Flexible Policies: Allowing for remote work, flexible hours, or different ways of completing tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and embracing neurodivergent affirming practices is essential for fostering a supportive environment for individuals with autism. By recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, we can create inclusive spaces that promote self-advocacy and independence. This approach not only enhances mental well-being but also reduces stigma and builds understanding within communities. As families and professionals work together towards affirming care, the benefits become evident in the positive outcomes experienced by autistic individuals. If you are looking for tailored support, don’t hesitate to reach out and get a free consultation to explore how neurodivergent affirming practices can be integrated into your care strategy.
At Bluebell ABA, we understand that every family’s journey is unique, and that questions about autism, genetics, and family planning can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, learning more about neurodiversity, or seeking support for your child, our team is here to provide clarity, compassion, and evidence-based guidance through ABA therapy in North Carolina.
Have questions or want personalized support for your family’s needs? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can families find neurodivergent affirming services in North Carolina?
To find neurodivergent affirming services in North Carolina, start by looking for providers who explicitly mention this approach on their websites. When you contact them, ask about their experience with autistic people, their views on identity-first language, and how they adapt their services to meet individual support needs and create an inclusive environment.
Can neurodivergent affirming practices be combined with other autism interventions?
Yes, neurodivergent affirming principles can and should be integrated with other interventions. For example, therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or even modern ABA can be adapted to be neurodiversity affirming. The key is to ensure the core focus remains on the person’s well-being, autonomy, and goals, not on normalization.
How do I know if a therapy or provider is truly neurodivergent affirming?
Look for signs of respect and collaboration. A truly neurodivergent affirming provider will use your preferred language, focus on your strengths, and involve you in goal-setting. Their intake forms may ask about sensory needs, and they will adapt their therapy techniques to support the neurodivergent client, not change them.
SOURCE:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-neurotypical-mean
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
https://www.reddit.com/r/askpsychology/comments/160m54b/can_someone_explain_neurodivergent_and/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-neuro-diverse-and-neuro-typical
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/autism-and-neurodiversity