The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Neuroaffirming care values the strengths and differences of autistic people, those with ADHD or other profiles. Here’s how

  • Written by Josephine Barbaro, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, Psychologist, La Trobe University
Neuroaffirming care values the strengths and differences of autistic people, those with ADHD or other profiles. Here’s how

We’ve come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and other profiles were categorised by what they struggled with or couldn’t do.

The concept of neurodiversity, developed by autistic activists in the 1990s[1], is an emerging area[2]. It promotes the idea that different brains (“neurotypes[3]”) are part of the natural variation of being human – just like “biodiversity[4]” – and they are vital for our survival.

This idea is now being applied to research[5] and to care. At the heart of the National Autism Strategy[6], currently in development, is neurodiversity-affirming (neuroaffirming) care and practice. But what does this look like?

Read more: 'Noisy' autistic brains seem better at certain tasks. Here's why neuroaffirmative research matters[7]

Reframing differences

Neurodiversity[8] challenges the traditional medical model[9] of disability, which views neurological differences solely through a lens of deficits and disorders to be treated or cured.

Instead, it reframes it as a different, and equally valuable, way of experiencing and navigating the world. It emphasises the need for brains that are different from what society considers “neurotypical”, based on averages and expectations[10]. The term “neurodivergent[11]” is applied[12] to Autistic people, those with ADHD, dyslexia and other profiles.

Neuroaffirming care[13] can take many forms depending on each person’s needs and context. It involves accepting and valuing different ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world. Rather than trying to “fix” or change neurodivergent people to fit into a narrow idea of what’s considered “normal” or “better”[14], neuroaffirming care takes a person-centered, strengths-based approach. It aims to empower and support unique needs and strengths.

girl sits on couch with colourful fidget toy
Neuroaffirming care can look different in a school or clinical setting. Shutterstock/Inna Reznik[15]

Read more: How to talk to your child about their autism diagnosis – the earlier the better[16]

Adaptation and strengths

Drawing on the social model of disability[17], neuroaffirming care acknowledges there is often disability associated with being different, especially in a world not designed for neurodivergent people. This shift focuses away from the person having to adapt towards improving the person-environment fit[18].

This can include providing accommodations and adapting environments to make them more accessible. More importantly, it promotes “thriving” through greater participation in society and meaningful activities.

At school, at work, in clinic

In educational settings, this might involve using universal design for learning[19] that benefits all learners.

For example, using systematic synthetic phonics[20] to teach reading and spelling for students with dyslexia can benefit all students[21]. It also could mean incorporating augmentative and alternative communication[22], such as speech-generating devices[23], into the classroom.

Teachers might allow extra time for tasks, or allow stimming[24] (repetitive movements or noises) for self-regulation[25] and breaks when needed.

In therapy settings[26], neuroaffirming care may mean a therapist grows their understanding of autistic culture[27] and learns about how positive social identity[28] can impact self-esteem and wellbeing.

They may make efforts to bridge the gap in communication between different neurotypes, known as the double empathy problem[29]. For example, the therapist may avoid relying on body language or facial expressions[30] (often different in autistic people) to interpret how a client is feeling, instead of listening carefully to what the client says.

Affirming therapy approaches with children[31] involve “tuning into” their preferred way of communicating, playing and engaging. This can bring meaningful connection rather than compliance to “neurotypical” ways of playing and relating.

In workplaces[32], it can involve flexible working arrangements[33] (hours, patterns and locations), allowing different modes of communication (such as written rather than phone calls[34]) and low-sensory workspaces[35] (for example, low-lighting, low-noise office spaces).

In public spaces, it can look like providing a “sensory space”, such as at large concerts[36], where neurodivergent people can take a break and self-regulate if needed. And staff can be trained to recognise, better understand and assist with hidden disabilities[37].

Read more: What is biophilic design? 3 ways 'green' buildings work better for neurodivergent people[38]

Combining lived experience and good practice

Care is neuroaffirmative when it centres “lived experience[39]” in its design and delivery, and positions people with disability as experts[40].

As a result of being “different”, people in the neurodivergent community experience high rates of bullying and abuse[41]. So neuroaffirming care should be combined with a trauma-informed[42] approach, which acknowledges the need to understand a person’s life experiences to provide effective care.

Culturally responsive[43] care acknowledges limited access to support for culturally and racially marginalised Autistic people[44] and higher rates of LGBTQIA+ identification[45] in the neurodivergent community.

open meeting room with people putting ideas on colourful notes on wall In the workplace, we can acknowledge how difference can fuel ideas. Unsplash/Jason Goodman[46]

Read more: Australia's rates of autism should be celebrated – but real-life impact, not diagnosis, should determine NDIS support[47]

Authentic selves

The draft National Autism Strategy promotes awareness that our population is neurodiverse[48]. It hopes to foster a more inclusive and understanding society.

It emphasises the societal and public health responsibilities for supporting neurodivergent people via public education, training, policy and legislation[49]. By providing spaces and places where neurodivergent people can be their authentic, unmasked selves[50], we are laying the foundations for feeling seen, valued[51], safe and, ultimately, happy and thriving.

The author would like to acknowledge the assistance of psychologist Victoria Gottliebsen in drafting this article. Victoria is a member of the Oversight Council for the National Autism Strategy.

References

  1. ^ developed by autistic activists in the 1990s (journals.sagepub.com)
  2. ^ emerging area (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  3. ^ neurotypes (karger.com)
  4. ^ biodiversity (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. ^ research (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ National Autism Strategy (engage.dss.gov.au)
  7. ^ 'Noisy' autistic brains seem better at certain tasks. Here's why neuroaffirmative research matters (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ Neurodiversity (journals.sagepub.com)
  9. ^ medical model (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  10. ^ based on averages and expectations (karger.com)
  11. ^ neurodivergent (en.wikipedia.org)
  12. ^ applied (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  13. ^ Neuroaffirming care (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ what’s considered “normal” or “better” (www.intechopen.com)
  15. ^ Shutterstock/Inna Reznik (www.shutterstock.com)
  16. ^ How to talk to your child about their autism diagnosis – the earlier the better (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ social model of disability (link.springer.com)
  18. ^ improving the person-environment fit (journals.sagepub.com)
  19. ^ universal design for learning (www.tandfonline.com)
  20. ^ systematic synthetic phonics (dsf.net.au)
  21. ^ benefit all students (www.cambridge.org)
  22. ^ augmentative and alternative communication (www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au)
  23. ^ speech-generating devices (pubs.asha.org)
  24. ^ stimming (raisingchildren.net.au)
  25. ^ for self-regulation (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  26. ^ therapy settings (journals.sagepub.com)
  27. ^ grows their understanding of autistic culture (www.samsonandbulluss.com)
  28. ^ positive social identity (link.springer.com)
  29. ^ double empathy problem (www.tandfonline.com)
  30. ^ facial expressions (www.spectrumnews.org)
  31. ^ children (www.annafreud.org)
  32. ^ workplaces (www.sciencedirect.com)
  33. ^ flexible working arrangements (www.fairwork.gov.au)
  34. ^ written rather than phone calls (journals.sagepub.com)
  35. ^ low-sensory workspaces (academic.oup.com)
  36. ^ large concerts (www.smh.com.au)
  37. ^ hidden disabilities (hdsunflower.com)
  38. ^ What is biophilic design? 3 ways 'green' buildings work better for neurodivergent people (theconversation.com)
  39. ^ lived experience (www.tandfonline.com)
  40. ^ positions people with disability as experts (journals.sagepub.com)
  41. ^ bullying and abuse (www.spectrumnews.org)
  42. ^ trauma-informed (www.tandfonline.com)
  43. ^ Culturally responsive (www.lyrahealth.com)
  44. ^ limited access to support for culturally and racially marginalised Autistic people (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  45. ^ LGBTQIA+ identification (www.liebertpub.com)
  46. ^ Unsplash/Jason Goodman (unsplash.com)
  47. ^ Australia's rates of autism should be celebrated – but real-life impact, not diagnosis, should determine NDIS support (theconversation.com)
  48. ^ neurodiverse (aus.jkp.com)
  49. ^ public education, training, policy and legislation (www.thelancet.com)
  50. ^ authentic, unmasked selves (www.liebertpub.com)
  51. ^ seen, valued (journals.sagepub.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/neuroaffirming-care-values-the-strengths-and-differences-of-autistic-people-those-with-adhd-or-other-profiles-heres-how-227449

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value ...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do...

Small Details, Big Difference: How Minor Decor Tweaks Can Redefine Your Home

Have you ever walked into a home that felt effortlessly stylish, but you couldn’t quite figure out why? It’s often not about major renovations; it’s the small details that make a...