What is neurodiversity affirming practice?
In this resource article, we will explore what neurodiversity-affirming practice is and why we use this approach at Wonder Words Speech Pathology.
Our approach
At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, we are committed to ensuring our practice is neurodiversity-affirming, celebrating and encouraging the differences of all our little people.
What does this mean?
Adopting a neurodiversity-affirming approach means that we respect, celebrate, and value all neurotypes, including neurotypical brains and neurodivergent (such as autistic and ADHDer) brains!
We acknowledge that neurological differences reflect normal variations in brain development, thus neurodivergent children's unique communication styles, and way of doing and being in the world is honoured and supported.
As such, this is a shift away from the "medical model" where neurological differences are seen as disorders to prevent, treat or cure.
Identity first language
The majority of the neurodivergent (especially autistic) community prefers ‘identity-first’ language, meaning that it’s preferred to use ‘autistic child’ rather than ‘child with autism’, and ‘ADHDer’ rather than ‘person with ADHD’. We use identity-first language unless an individual prefers to be referred to in a different way.
What do session goals look like?
We adopt neurodiversity-affirming goals, which support each child by changing the world around them, as well as building their skills. Goals might focus on:
Connection & safety.
Child's preferences, interests, skills and joys.
Functional communication skills that is authentic to the child's neurotype.
Honouring and valuing the child's true self, and do not seek to change or diminish who they are.
Self-knowledge and self-advocacy.
Supporting the child to communicate in any way, to reduce frustration and increase connection.
Supporting the child's sensory and emotional regulation.
Supporting changes to other people around the child, their environment and/or changes to their schedules and expectations.
Educating the child's family/carers about how they view and experience the world.
Some of our favourite neuro-affirming resources to use in sessions are:
The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon
Some Brains by Nelly Thomas
The World Needs Who You Were Meant To Be by Johannes Thomas
Visuals by AuDHDer speech pathologist, Emily Hammond (Instagram handle - NeuroWild)
