Neurodivergence can be seen of as an all-encompassing word for brain variances, or when someone's brain forms or functions differently from someone who is "neurotypical.” Diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's syndrome, OCD and other conditions are not illnesses that need to be treated or fixed. Rather, they are individual neurotypes with needs, abilities, strengths, and preferences. A therapist who embraces neurodiversity approaches therapeutic work with this understanding. We asked two of our clinicians, Sarah Erdman and Sydney Christian, how we as mental health providers can be more neuro-inclusive.
What does it mean to be a neurodivergent affirming therapist and how can mental health therapy be more neurodivergent-inclusive across the board?
Sarah: To me, being a neurodivergent affirming therapist means being more creative in how I give and receive information as a whole! It means being willing to be more eclectic in nature and truly being able to speak my client's unmasked language so that therapy is a safe space for them to better understand how they think and interact with the world. I think mental health providers can be more inclusive and affirming of neurodivergent populations by using this creativity and eclectic approach. As providers, we follow a code of ethics saying that we will do no harm to our clients, so that also means doing what we can to create an accessible cognitive space for them in therapy.
Sydney: A neurodiversity-affirming therapist is a therapist who is accepting of individual neurotypes. I believe the core of being a neurodiversity-affirming therapist is understanding that all individuals have differences that do not need to be “fixed.” I believe that continued education, deconstruction of ablest ideals, awareness and allyship, and even moving aware from positive views and viewing neurodivergence through a realistic lens can shift the mental health field towards being affirming with neurodivergent individuals. I would also add that learning the different ways in which neurodivergence is displayed in BIPOC cultures, and in genders, is essential to becoming more aware and affirming. Furthermore, challenging biases and increasing knowledge about neurodivergent individuals are the ultimate first steps to avoiding doing harm.
What are some therapeutic support options for individuals on the spectrum?
Sarah: There are many options for therapeutic support for individuals who are on the spectrum! Creative interventions, game-based therapy, play-based therapy, and somatic-based interventions have been proven to be incredibly effective with those who are neurodivergent across all ages. I think a more interpersonal and system-based approach is also helpful for this population.
Sydney: Neurodiversity-Affirming therapy is a form of support for neurodivergent individuals. While it is not a specific set of interventions, it does allow therapists to gain an understanding of individual experience while acknowledging and affirming the intersections that can be faced by neurodivergent individuals. Simple awareness that the client is the expert in their experience can be the most empowering form of therapeutic support. Other therapy approaches have traditionally been used to “treat” neurodivergence which has been challenged specifically by the autistic community, called applied behavior analysis (ABA). It is often important for neurodivergent individuals, when picking therapeutic support, to find an approach that is affirming rather than one that encourages the masking of neurodivergence.
How can friends or family support a loved one who is neurodivergent?
Sarah: Friends and family can support a loved one who is neurodivergent through patience, flexibility, and support. Supporting someone who is neurodivergent means understanding how they view the world and having patience knowing how someone completes tasks, expresses themselves, etc. They may look and do things differently than how you do, but it is not better or worse. Giving your loved one space to experiment with what works best for them without shame can be an incredible support.
Sydney: Asking is the best way to know how to provide support for a loved one who is neurodivergent. This allows the individual to receive the support that they need. Other forms of support can be learning how the individual experiences their neurodivergence and creating an accepting and affirming environment.
What type of support is available within school systems for neurodivergent students? And for employees in the workplace?
Sarah: To be able to obtain supports through the school system, an individual has to go through psychological testing. Once a diagnosis is made, the student can be eligible for an IEP Plan or a 504 Plan. These plans will create an individualized support for how the student can have their Least Restrictive Environment in the classroom. Similar accommodations and modifications in the workplace are also available and protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sydney: From my knowledge, there has been a vast improvement in the school systems for neurodivergence. As ablest and biased ideas have begun to be restructured, it has led to updated programs of support. Of course, each school program is different and it would be encouraged to seek out and even interview your child’s school program to see if it is the right fit for them. I am not as aware of the support which is provided in the workplace, as it is different for each company. I will actually have to do my research here.
How can we celebrate neurological differences?
Sarah: We can celebrate neurological differences through being flexible in our ways of thinking, feeling, and doing. I believe that everyone has an element of neurodivergence. The more we talk about neurodivergence and how we interact with the world, the more we can eradicate shame and stigma for this population.
Sydney: Acceptance, respect, and affirmation are the best ways to celebrate in my eyes (of course it’s not exhaustive). Through these actions, you are fully seeing someone for who they are, and not trying to alter them, and there is true beauty in that.
At Summit’s Edge Counseling, our therapists are passionate about providing neurodivergent affirming therapy. We can all learn more, improve our understanding, and develop as a community by actively listening to one another. Our therapists can help your neurodivergent loved one recognize and honor their distinctive differences, which make them uniquely who they are.
Authored by: Julianna Robinson, LCSW