To wrap up the last week of April, Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we wanted to help you celebrate your neurodiverse friends, family, students, and coworkers by learning more about neurodiversity. 

What does it mean to be neurodiverse?

In its simplest form, neurodivergent thinking is a difference in brain functioning and development from “typical” thinking, often related to diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, and more. This results in the brain processing and perceiving information in a different manner from the neurotypical. It is not a weakness or inherently bad, it is just a different way of thinking.

What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirming?

To be neurodiversity affirming, there is a shift from viewing neurodivergence as a deficit to seeing it as a difference. This shift focuses on an individual’s strengths rather than seeing their way of thinking and perception of the world as a deficit/weakness. It is not something to be “fixed.” Neurodiversity affirming treatment considers the following principles: presuming competence, supporting/recognizing all communication methods, supporting/recognizing sensory needs, emphasizing connection, embracing special interests, and using a strengths-based approach.

As part of the neurodiversity affirming movement, there is also shift in the language we use to describe needs and supports to be more strengths-based affirming language. Many of us are guilty of using antiquated language that is not supportive of neurodivergent thinkers. But now that you know better you can do better. Inform those around you that are still using old terms and descriptors of the preferred and accepted language.

Examples of more neurodiversity affirming language include:

Old Language: Person with autism — Red flags for autism — High-functioning/low-functioning — Obsessions — Attention seeking — Deficits 

New Language: Autistic person — Autistic traits/characteristics — Low support needs/high support needs — Passionate interests — Connection seeking — Challenges/difficulties, opportunities for learning

Neurodivergence and neurodiversity affirming care and principles are far more detailed than what’s shared here. Take this as a jumping off point and visit some of these pages to learn more about the current research and movement to stay up-to-date and best support and celebrate your neurodivergent loved ones!

Also, feel free to check out these worthwhile Instagram accounts to learn more: @sensory.slp, @speechdude, @cari.ebert.seminars, @connectionsspeechpathology, @play_spark