What is Neuro-affirming Practice?
Neuro-affirming practice refers to approaches, attitudes, and supports rooted in the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. This paradigm recognises neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—as natural and valuable variations in human experience. It rejects the notion of needing to "fix" or "normalise" neurodivergent traits and instead celebrates diversity as a fundamental part of humanity.
These practices align with a strength-based model, which does not view neurodivergence as a deficit. Instead, it emphasises each individual's unique strengths, abilities, and interests, using these as a foundation to support areas of challenge. By focusing on what neurodivergent people do well, this approach fosters confidence, autonomy, and personal growth.
Additionally, neuro-affirming practice incorporates the social model of disability, which emphasises that many of the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals arise not from their differences but from societal attitudes, inaccessible environments, and lack of accommodations. This model shifts the responsibility from individuals needing to adapt to a neurotypical world to society creating inclusive spaces that support all ways of being.
Neuro-affirming practice aims to create environments where neurodivergent people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive as their authentic selves, with their unique needs and strengths supported and respected.
Key Principles of Neuro-Affirming Practice
1. Embracing Neurodiversity:
Recognising that neurological differences are inherent and meaningful aspects of human diversity, not deficits or disorders to be "treated" or "corrected."
2. Person-Centered Support:
Prioritising the individual’s preferences, needs, and goals and respecting their right to define their own experiences, free from societal pressures or predefined expectations.
3. Strength-Focused Perspective:
Focusing on an individual’s abilities and interests and using these as a foundation for growth and support rather than centring on challenges or perceived difficulties.
4. Avoidance of Harmful Practices:
Rejecting interventions that suppress natural behaviours or expressions of neurodivergence, such as discouraging stimming or forcing eye contact, can be harmful and invalidating.
5. Sensory and Emotional Acknowledgment:
Validating and accommodating sensory sensitivities and self-regulation strategies, such as the need for stimming, movement, or breaks in overwhelming environments.
6. Collaboration and Consent:
Engaging individuals in decisions about their support and respecting their autonomy, ensuring that practices are implemented with their consent and active participation.
7. Advocacy and Education:
Promoting understanding of neurodivergence within families, schools, workplaces, and communities to dismantle stigma and foster acceptance and inclusion.
8. Affirming Language and Framing:
Using identity-first, respectful language (e.g., "autistic person" rather than "person with autism") to honour neurodivergent identities and avoiding terms or narratives that pathologise neurodivergence.
9. Empowerment and Independence:
Supporting individuals in developing skills, self-advocacy, and confidence to navigate the world on their terms.
10. Intersectional Awareness:
Acknowledging and addressing how intersecting identities, such as race, gender, culture, or socioeconomic background, influence the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
Examples of Neuro-Affirming Practices
Providing flexible, sensory-friendly environments and accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Adapting communication styles to meet individual needs, such as using visual supports or AAC devices.
Supporting and encouraging sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviours rather than trying to eliminate them.
Valuing and nurturing special interests as important and meaningful forms of self-expression and joy.
Promoting self-determination and respecting an individual’s unique way of engaging with the world.
Neuro-affirming practices foster acceptance, reduce stigma, and build supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can thrive with dignity, respect, and authenticity.
