By Caithlin White, MSPA CPSP
Neurodiversity explained and how it is influencing therapy
What does Neurodiversity mean?
Neurodiversity describes the neurological diversity that is normal in any given population. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that is wired differently to the most common neurotypical brain. Quite commonly the term neurodiversity is used to talk about Autism and ADHD, however the term also includes any difference in neurology including (for example):
- Downs Syndrome
- Apraxia
- Aquired Brain Injury
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
The Neurodiversity movement
The Neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement that seeks to empower neurodivergent people by bringing awareness to these neurological differences and promoting the rights and strengths of neurodivergent people within society. The movement seeks to discard the idea that having a neurodiverse brain is a ‘disorder’ that must be masked or fixed, and promotes a social inclusive model.
How does the Neurodiversity movement influence therapy?
Prior to the movement certain therapies aimed to teach different skills that encouraged people to mask (cover up) behaviours (such as a stims) or enforcing new unnatural behaviours (such as enforcing eye contact). Encouraging or incidentally teaching masking is a big NO in neurodiversity affirming therapy. It has been shown to lead to, and exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy recognises that neurological differences such as Autism and ADHD are normal. This practice seeks to empower neurodiverse people to recognise and embrace their strengths and adopt a healthy mind-set to understand and advocate for their neurological differences.
For instance a Neurodiversity affirming approach to social skills therapy may highlight communication strategies that are useful for understanding and reaching mutual ground with others whilst also encouraging someone to understand and explore their own preferences. Therefore the emphasis is on awareness rather than conformity. Giving children the option to use tools that will help them understand others and themselves. Certain skills can be highlighted in relation to goals such as forming friendships and navigating the complex social world.
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