NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING PRACTICE

Spectrum Centre adopts a neurodiversity affirming approach to services.

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What does Neurodiversity Affirming mean?

Neurodiversity affirming (NDA) approaches are based on the premise that there is no one correct way of being or doing things. NDA approaches reject the outdated (and ableist) belief that the neurotypical way of being or doing is the correct way, and that it should be an expectation or goal for neurodivergent people. NDA practice focuses on strengths and the rights of people to have their individual and unique needs understood and met by the development of supports and adaptations in the environment (which includes the approach of others around the person).

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Reasons why Spectrum Centre is Neurodiversity Affirming 

• We presume competence (i.e., we don't assume that people can't do things because of their disability).

• We respect all forms of communication and believe people have a right to communicate in their preferred way.

• We encourage autonomy, support self-understanding, nurture positive neurodivergent self-identity and self-advocacy.

• We adopt a strengths-based and nervous system informed approach to supports.

• We aim to foster environments and interactions that better meet individual needs.

• We are flexible and adapt our approach to meet individual needs whenever possible.

• We focus on working with the person and those around them (where appropriate) to help the person achieve goals that enhance their quality of life, and not to make them appear more neurotypical for the benefit of others (i.e., masking).

• We respect neurodivergent culture, which includes listening to and learning from neurodivergent voices, advocates, and educators.

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Definitions

Neurodivergent - a person whose neurotype is divergent in comparison to the majority of the population (i.e., Autistic, ADHD, OCD and more).

Neurodiversity - Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, are natural and expected variations of the brain. 

Neurotypical - a person whose neurotype is typical in comparison to the the majority of the population.

Ableist - the prejudiced belief that neurotypical abilities or ways of doing things are superior.

Masking - camouflaging parts of oneself in order to fit in with others and be accepted. Masking is often exhausting for neurodivergent people, and can negatively impact their wellbeing (i.e., anxiety, poor self-esteem). 

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