neuro-affirming practice

What is neuro-affirming practice?

When we talk about neurodiversity affirming practice, we're really shifting away from the idea of "fixing" the challenges that come with neurodevelopmental conditions. Instead, we're all about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths, interests, and support needs that come with different neurotypes.

It's all about understanding that everyone's brain works a little differently, and that's totally okay!

What is the difference between a traditional approach and a neuro-affirming one?

In the past, traditional therapy has often focused on encouraging neurodivergent individuals to hide or change their natural traits to fit in. This could mean things like trying to reduce stimming behaviors or forcing eye contact. But we've learned that this approach can actually lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and a decreased sense of self-worth.

Neurodiversity-affirming practice, on the other hand, is all about embracing these differences. We want to provide adaptations and supports that honor and validate neurodivergent identities. This approach can help people feel more confident in advocating for their needs and building up their self-esteem.

What is neuro-affirming therapy like?

Neuro-affirming therapy values and celebrates what makes you unique. It's about giving you the tools and strategies to navigate different environments in a way that feels comfortable and empowering for you - in other words, not trying to force you to be like everyone else! This might include things like:

  • Making sure the environment is set up to meet your specific needs.

  • Recognizing and respecting the way you communicate.

  • Helping you find ways to manage sensory sensitivities.

  • Encouraging you to listen and communicate in a way that feels natural to you.

  • Building your skills in advocating for yourself and solving problems.

  • Teaching you how to understand and cope with your emotions.

  • Creating safe spaces where you can take time to process things - this includes creating space for you to info dump if this helps you to process. I love hearing about people’s passions and interests!

  • Supporting you in developing self-regulation skills, including stimming if that's something that helps you.

But, first and foremost, it’s about being curious about how you experience the world, and learning together about what is best for your and how we can create supports that work uniquely for you!

You can find further information from these wonderful FREE resources created by Sonny Jane Wise.

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