Neuro Diverse Approach and Affirming Language

Our Team Are Committed To Being Neuro Diverse Affirming In Our Language And Practice

Neurodiversity encompasses the rich tapestry of human neurocognitive abilities, recognizing that each individual’s brain works in unique ways. To be neurodivergent is to diverge from the neurotypical population, which may manifest as differences in social interactions, learning approaches, communication styles, and environmental perceptions. Under the wide umbrella of neurodiversity lie an array of conditions such as: 

These diverse diagnoses accentuate the spectrum of ways in which individuals process information and interact with the world, highlighting the difference in skills and challenges experienced by neurodivergent individuals.

Each neurodivergent person presents a distinctive combination of strengths and differences, signifying a different way of navigating social, academic, and personal scenarios. For instance, one individual may exhibit exceptional interpersonal abilities while facing challenges in organizational skills, whereas another may excel in mathematical skills and spatial reasoning but encounter difficulties in literacy.

Neurodiversity serves as a non-medical umbrella term that underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating the wide array of cognitive processes and behaviours within society, emphasizing the value of unique perspectives and approaches to thinking and functioning. By acknowledging and embracing this neurocognitive diversity, we foster an inclusive and empowering environment that celebrates individual differences and promotes acceptance and support for all.

What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care?

Neurodiversity-affirming means recognising and valuing the diversity in which individual’s think, behave, and learn. It acknowledges that there are millions of different ways of processing information and interacting with the world, and that each of these ways is equally important and valuable. This approach does not view neurodivergence as a deficit or something that needs to be cured, but rather celebrates the strengths and unique perspectives that come with it.

By honouring individual’s interests, understanding regulation, and avoiding trying to fit people into boxes they don’t necessarily belong in, neurodivergent affirming practices create an inclusive and supportive environment. This approach also values sensory processing differences and does not try to force individuals to conform to typical social skills or roles. Instead, it teaches self-determination, advocacy, and self-identity, empowering individuals to embrace their neurodivergent traits and advocate for themselves without feeling the needs to mask or camouflage their true selves. 

Neurodivergent affirming practice means to foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and celebration of neurodiversity. It is about creating a space where individuals can be themselves without judgement or pressure to conform, and where their unique strengths and perspectives are recognised and valued. Neurodivergent affirming practices create an inclusive and supportive society for all individuals.  

What is Neurodiversity Affirming Language, and Why is it Important?

Neurodiversity affirming language is the use of language that isn’t offensive to neurodivergent people, and describes this population from an objective, strengths-based perspective, rather than a deficits-based one. It is important to use neurodiversity affirming language when referring to or describing a neurodivergent individual.

INSTEAD OF…

USE…

Red flag/ symptom Trait
Person first language (“person with autism”) Identity first language (“autistic person”)
Suffers from Is...
Obsession Special interest / deep interest
Fix/cure Support
Low functioning/high functioning Has X support requirements
'you don't look autistic' Nothing! There is no one way to be or look autistic so we don't need to comment on this

How does Kid Sense Strive to be Neurodiversity Affirming? 

At Kid Sense, we constantly strive to increase our knowledge about neurodiversity, improve the systems in which we operate to ensure that we are affirming in our practice, and continuously educate ourselves to stay updated on the latest developments from lived experience clinicians and educators. At Kid Sense we:

  • See our clients strengths and use an interest based approach. 
  • Value autonomy and consent.
  • Create person-centred goals that align with what the individual and their family wants to achieve.
  • Do not ‘train’ skills but instead work to strengths and help improve functional capacity.
  • Seek out regular training from Neurodivergent individuals and organisations.
  • Hire Neurodivergent staff, include their voices, and seek their opinions.
  • Constantly review and update our current systems in line with research  as well as staff feedback.

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