Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapeutic Approach: What is it and who can benefit from it?

Updated: 26/11/24

Written by Dr Sara Tookey, Clinical Psychologist​​
 

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What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice?

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Neurodiversity-affirming therapy recognises and celebrates neurological differences as natural variations in human cognition rather than deficits that need to be "fixed" or "cured." This approach moves away from the pathologising medical model toward an understanding that embraces diverse ways of thinking, processing, and experiencing the world.

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Core Principles

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1. Neurodiversity as Natural Variation:

 

Neurodiversity is understood as a natural and valuable form of human diversity, similar to biodiversity in nature. This perspective recognises that neurological differences (including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neuro-cognitive variations) represent normal, legitimate forms of human diversity that bring both challenges and strengths.

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​2. Strength-Based Understanding:

 

Rather than focusing primarily on challenges or "symptoms," this approach actively identifies and builds upon individual strengths, talents, and unique processing styles. It recognises that what might be seen as a challenge in one context could be a valuable asset in another.

 

3. Environmental Adaptation:

 

Issues arise not from individual neurobiology, but from the mismatch between a person's neurotype and environmental demands. The focus is on adapting environments and finding accommodations rather than changing the individual.

 

 

Key Elements of Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment

 

Assessment Approach

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• Collaborative and transparent process

• Recognition of masking and compensatory strategies

• Consideration of intersectional identities 

• Understanding of different presentation across genders

• Appreciation of cultural influences

• Integration of lived experiences

 

Assessment Goals

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• Identifying individual processing styles

• Understanding unique strengths and challenges

• Developing personalised support strategies

• Empowering self-advocacy

• Facilitating self-understanding

• Supporting identity exploration

 

 

Therapeutic Practice

 

Key Features

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1. Client-Led Process

• Respecting individual communication styles

• Following client's pace and preferences

• Adapting therapeutic approach to match processing style

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2. Identity-Affirming

• Supporting positive identity development

• Understanding internalised ableism

• Celebrating neurological differences

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3. Practical Support

• Developing helpful accommodations

• Building on existing strategies

• Creating sustainable support systems

 

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Evidence Base

Research demonstrates the benefits of neurodiversity-affirming approaches:

• Improved self-esteem and wellbeing (den Houting, 2019)

• Reduced anxiety and depression (Cage et al., 2018)

• Better therapeutic outcomes (Chapman & Crandall, 2016)

• Enhanced self-advocacy skills (Clouder et al., 2020)

 

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Common Areas of Focus

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Individual Work

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• Processing diagnostic information

• Understanding personal patterns

• Developing self-advocacy skills

• Managing sensory needs

• Building on strengths

• Addressing internalised ableism

 

Environmental Adaptation

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• Workplace accommodations

• Educational support

• Home environment modifications

• Relationship understanding

• Communication strategies

• Sensory considerations

 

 

Special Considerations

 

Intersectionality

• Cultural influences

• Gender identity

• Sexual orientation

• Socioeconomic factors

• Religious/spiritual beliefs

• Other marginalised identities

 

Masking and Camouflaging

• Understanding impact

• Recognising patterns

• Supporting authentic expression

• Managing social energy

• Developing sustainable strategies

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