Shifting Gears: The Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Movement

Before diving deeper into what neurodiversity affirming means, I want to be upfront about something. I don't always get this right, and I’m still developing my skills to offer the most effective neurodiversity affirming support to my clients. I’m constantly reflecting on my practice, challenging myself to improve, learn, and progress.

I am so grateful to have learnt so much from my incredible neurodivergent clients over the years. Their unique perspectives and experiences have been invaluable in shaping my understanding and approach. These ongoing interactions have helped me grow and become more confident at providing truly neurodiversity-affirming support.

Exploring the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement in Speech Pathology

In recent times, speech pathology has been evolving, thanks largely to the neurodiversity affirming movement. This shift is transforming how Speech Pathologists work, focusing on appreciating and valuing neurological differences rather than aiming to "fix" them. But what does this movement really involve, and how is it reshaping speech pathology? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the idea that variations in brain function, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, are natural and valuable aspects of human diversity. This perspective challenges the view that these neurological differences are inherently flawed or in need of correction. Instead, it argues that these variations are part of what makes human experiences rich and varied, and they should be embraced and supported.

Shifting Gears

When I completed my university degree all the way back in 2013, we were trained to ‘fix problems’ with communication, language, and social skills in neurodivergent clients. This meant targeting particular areas to fit neurotypical standards such as forcing eye contact or suppressing stims in autistic people.

Whilst this approach to therapy was often implemented with good intentions, listening to and learning from neurodivergent voices reveals that it can often create even greater difficulties. Neurodivergent children have been expected to adopt a set of challenging rules that don’t come naturally and can feel uncomfortable, while receiving the message that their own preferred methods are inadequate and need to be altered. This emphasis often leads autistic people to mask their genuine traits, which has been linked to negative mental health outcomes and, paradoxically, reduces their confidence in social interactions with others.

The neurodiversity-affirming movement in speech pathology introduces a new approach. Here’s how it’s making a difference:

1. Valuing Individual Differences: Neurodiversity-affirming therapy appreciates that neurological differences come with unique strengths and perspectives. Instead of viewing these differences as issues to be corrected, therapists recognise and celebrate them, aiming to support individuals in using their strengths while addressing their needs.

1. Individualised Goals: Rather than applying uniform goals for communication and social skills, neurodiversity-affirming therapy sets goals that are personalised and meaningful to the individual. This approach might involve working on communication skills through the individual’s interests and daily experiences rather than using generic standards.

1. Adaptability: Therapists who support neurodiversity use inclusive methods that respect the individual’s sensory preferences, communication styles, and learning approaches. This can include alternative communication methods, sensory-friendly strategies, and adapting sessions to better fit the individual’s needs.

1. Empowering Self Advocacy: A key aspect of neurodiversity affirming therapy is helping individuals become more confident to advocate for themselves. This means teaching them to understand and express their own needs and preferences, which boosts their ability to navigate the world confidently and effectively.

1. Family and Community Collaboration: Neurodiversity affirming therapists work closely with families and communities to ensure that therapy aligns with the individual’s cultural and social context. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive environment where the individual’s unique needs and viewpoints are honoured.

Moving in the Right Direction

The neurodiversity affirming movement is more than just a trend; it’s a significant change towards a more inclusive and respectful approach to therapy. By focusing on acceptance rather than correction, therapists can help individuals with neurological differences flourish in ways that align with their true selves.

We need to encourage a shift in families, schools, and societal norms so that neurotypical individuals embrace and appreciate diverse ways of communicating and understanding. There’s a crucial need for more education to shift the responsibility of understanding from autistic individuals to neurotypicals, helping them recognise and value the various ways autistic people express emotions and form friendships.

The responsibility now needs to shift to neurotypicals to better understand and appreciate autistic communication styles.