Wildflower Holistic Services - Principal Psychologist Alexandra McCarthy

We have the privilege of working with many individuals who are neurodivergent, and we deeply value their unique perspectives, ideas, and visions. However, more often than not neurodivergent individuals are often misunderstood and face stigma that makes it difficult for them to thrive in society. This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, so we thought it would be fitting to share ways in which we can celebrate neurodiversity and practice inclusivity. Taking a strengths based approach to developmental differences like Autism and ADHD, allows us to simply view these as neurotypes that are a part of the human tapestry of life. Unfortunately within the medical model, which still makes up a large part of our society, it is traditionally assumed that because an individual has neurological differences they require “fixing” to become “normal”. Neuro-affirming practice on the other hand, recognises the strengths, qualities, and challenges that come from being neurodivergent. By recognising there is nothing “wrong” or nothing to “fix” or “this person will grow out of it”, the focus then becomes on developing an understanding of each individual and empowering them to appreciate and value the unique way in which their brain works as well as acknowledge the insights, abilities, and talents that they have.

As part of neurodiversity celebration week, let’s talk about some key areas that encourage neuro affirming practice and celebrate neurodiversity:

Language influences the way we view and understand individuals, which in turn impacts how individuals view and understand themselves. Through adjusting our language, we can change perspectives and create an environment that promotes acceptance, respect, and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals. Ways we can do this is through respecting the language an individual chooses and how they wish to identify, and avoiding deficit terminology, for example, “attention seeking” (deficit) vs “connection seeking” (affirming). While we acknowledge the inherent challenge, particularly when terms like "disorder" that stem from a pathology paradigm are ingrained in diagnostic labels such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism

Spectrum Disorder, it's crucial to recognise that individuals are not defined by these diagnoses.

Communication is another way we can practice inclusivity and celebrate diversity. We get that individuals who are neurodivergent may not communicate in neurotypical ways, and that's perfectly okay. Rather than imposing neurotypical standards and expectations, neuro-affirming practice strives to understand and respect unique communication styles. There are many different communication styles that exist and that can be utilised. For example, we may use visual aids for those who process information visually or use key word sign, gesturing, AAC or text to speech device for non-verbal individuals.

Self-regulation strategies are a further area to be aware of especially in the space of stimming.

Stimming is a tool used by both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals to regulate their bodies. Stimming behaviours can take various forms, including tapping, fidgeting, spinning, nail biting, lip biting, hair twirling, and more. For example, a student rocking on their chair at school may be seeking movement to self-regulate. Rather than discouraging or removing the stimming behaviour, accommodations are made to ensure safety and comfort. Providing alternatives like wobble chairs or cushions can offer similar sensory input while minimising potential risks, such as falling off the chair. Instead of suppressing stimming behaviours, the goal is to understand their function and provide supportive strategies that honour the individual's unique self regulation needs while fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Sensory needs are also an important consideration. Individuals who identify as neurodivergent may have various sensory needs, which can vary widely. This can include hypersensitivity (heightened sensitivity) or hyposensitivity (decreased sensitivity) to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, textures, tastes, and smells. Some neurodivergent individuals may engage in sensory seeking behaviours, whilst others may engage in sensory avoidant behaviours. Some may be more susceptible to sensory overload, where they become overwhelmed by sensory input in their environment. It's about understanding these diverse sensory needs to create inclusive environments. For example, understanding the individual's unique sensory profile and developing strategies for coping with sensory overload, such as, wearing headphones to the shops, encouraging and creating sensory friendly environments that reduce stimulation like playing calming music and using soft lighting. This supports the wellbeing and participation of neurodivergent individuals in various settings like school, workplaces, and community spaces.

By embracing neurodiversity, we foster a society that appreciates the diversity of human experience and promotes acceptance, respect, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of their neurotype.