neuroaffirming practice

If you are neurodivergent, finding a therapist who is up to date on neuroaffirming practice is the ducks nuts.

If you aren’t neurodivergent, that does not mean it does not apply to you! We will explain why…

First and foremost, we pride ourselves on moving with the neuroaffirming approach to practice, and providing trauma informed care.

Neuroaffirming practice is the approach that seeks to focus on a neurodivergent person’s identity and strengths, without trying to ‘fix’, creating a safe and respectful space, that supports autonomy. It is a celebration of the natural diversity of human brains, viewing neurological differences as strengths rather than deficits. It aims to create inclusive environments that support individuals with neurodivergent traits.

In celebration of diversity, we also wish to express our alignment with the values and need for the LGBTQIA+SB community, with co-mingling respect for all nationalities and cultures around the world.

What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

Currently, the ‘neuro’ types are split into two. There is ‘Neurodivergent’ and ‘Neurotypical’. Then there is also the term ‘neurodiversity’, that often gets mistaken for ‘neurodivergent’. The reason it is mistaken is that everyone is neurodiverse (both neurodivergent and neurotypical), as we all have diverse brains.

Neurodivergent refers to a person whose brain works differently to neurotypical brains. It refers to a person who is diagnosed or undiagnosed; Autistic, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or previously referred to as ADD), combined Autism and ADHD known as AuDHD (pronounced ‘audie-HD’), Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome, Dyscalculia, Developmental Coordination Disorder (also known as Dyspraxia), and in some circles you will also hear other conditions such as Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia being referred to as neurodivergent.

This might be experienced as sensory, emotional and communication differences. It is important to avoid deficit focused language and therapies, and ensure therapy is provided through collaboration and with consent.

why does neuroaffirming practice not just apply to neurodivergent people?

As Neuroaffirming Practice is all about embracing people for who they are and seeking not to fix, but to accept and work with a person’s strengths, we believe the approach is able to benefit everyone. In that, for example, the Strengthened Quality Standards for Aged Care, emphasises recognising unique differences, need for choice and control, and dignity of risk. The values embedded in both of these approaches reflect the shift in the approach to health care and need for respect and understanding in our diverse needs.