The phrase neurodiversity seems to be everywhere recently; but what does it mean? The term neurodiversity was coined by Australian sociologist, Judy Singer, in 1998 in order to highlight the idea that “no two human minds are exactly alike.” Put simply, to be neurodivergent means the way your brain processes information is different from what is considered the norm of our society and in environments such as schools and workplaces.
Because neurodiversity is not a medical diagnosis, there is not one definitive list of conditions or criteria that are included under the term. However, typically those who identify as neurodivergent have one or more of the following conditions:
Autism spectrum disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Down syndrome
Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia
Sensory processing disorders
Tourette syndrome
What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Mean?
A neurodiversity-affirming therapist is someone who acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of various neurotypes. They understand that being neurodivergent is not something to be “fixed” but rather a natural part of human variation. Instead of focusing on deficits, they will use a person-centered approach to tap into a patient’s strengths in order to help them adapt to their environment.
Neurodiversity-affirming does not mean that a therapist denies the challenges a neurodiverse individual may face; it means they provide support rather than trying to “fix” the child. Therapy becomes more about teaching patients and caregivers how to adjust the environment when new challenges arise. An example of neurodiversity- affirming would be encouraging the use of noise canceling headphones for a child who has sensitivities to sounds. Rather than expecting a child to adapt or simply tolerate an environment that may be overstimulating, they are given the opportunity to approach their environment in a way that will allow them to be more comfortable and therefore, more successful.
What Makes Therapy With a Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapist Different?
The foundation of a speech language pathologist’s approach to neurodiversity-affirming care will vary, but will generally include a few core components.
The most foundational part of a neurodiversity-affirming approach is to develop a relationship of trust between the therapist and child. This generally means a therapist will use a play-based approach that focuses on activities that the child enjoys. The therapist will also use a strengths-based, developmental approach; meaning they meet your child where they are developmentally and attempt to build on existing skills. This encourages a child to work through each stage of communication development, rather than teaching them to exhibit certain behaviors for a reward. This also means your therapist will understand that neurodivergent play may look different from how a neurotypical child might play. Instead of discouraging an autistic child to stop lining up their trucks, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist will join them in their play and work to build upon those skills.
Therapy Tree Services is proud to encourage our therapists to utilize neurodiversity-affirming techniques and approaches to patient care. Our therapists will work with parents and caregivers to write appropriate goals that build upon a child’s strengths, instead of focusing on deficits.
To schedule an evaluation for a speech and language evaluation, contact our office at 919.238.9088 or use the “Contact Us” link on our website.
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