Neurodiversity: What does it actually mean to be neurodiversity affirming?
It feels like everyone is talking about neurodiversity these days. I even saw an article about “up and coming” therapy niches and neurodiversity was one of them. When I started out as a therapist working from a neuroaffirming lens with neurodivergent folks, barely anyone knew what I meant when I said neurodivergent. Now it seems like every clinician is neurodivergent affirming and wants to work in this population. While I am happy that more people are coming to understand that not all brains and bodies are wired the same way, I think it is important to understand the history of the term neurodiversity and take a critical look at what it means to be neuroaffirming in the therapeutic space.
A Brief History
Neurodiversity was a term first used in the 1990s by Autistic self-advocacy groups. Some people attribute it to Judy Singer, but there is evidence to show that it was used by other groups as well. Regardless of who gets credit, the goal was to use a word that embodied Autism being viewed as a difference not a deficit or disorder. Over time, the word neurodiversity came to encompass many neurodevelopmental "disorders" from the DSM: ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, 2E, sensory disorders, and more.
A Break from the Medical Model
While the term neurodiversity supported many people and gave the power to the person to decide how to view themselves, their brain and their body, the movement didn’t include all people and disorders. Sonny Jane Wise, a neurodivergent author, speaker, and advocate, talks widely about all “disorders” being a part of the neurodiversity paradigm. They advocate for things like personality disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma to be considered neurodivergences just as much as Autism and ADHD. In this viewpoint, we are breaking with the established medical model of therapy which assumes that there are “disorders” that can be “cured” much like a broken leg or a cold. The medical model has been the predominant viewpoint in the therapy community for decades. Neurodiversity and neuroaffirming therapy break with this model and push us more into a social justice oriented therapy model.
Social Justice Oriented Therapy
True neurodiversity affirming therapy cannot be separated from all other forms of social justice. Racial, queer, disability, economic justice are all intertwined with neuroaffirming therapy. Taking a social justice lens of therapy means we move beyond trying to fix a person to understanding the systems, culture(s), barriers, and environments that impact a client. We stop looking for things to “fix” about the client and look more towards understanding, supporting, and changing things externally of the client. Don’t get me wrong, there is still internal work to be done, but when a therapist is truly affirming they look to what the client actually needs and wants, not what society or others are wanting/demanding of them.
Why it is important
As a therapist who truly works from a neurodiversity lens, I believe it is important for anyone who says they are neuroaffirming to be able to say what that means and how it shows up in their practice. Additionally, many neurodivergent folks get misdiagnosed with just anxiety and depression when really these are manifestations of neurodivergence and having to operate in a neurotypical world. It is important for therapists to be able to go deeper and recognize when a person's symptoms are the result of some neurodivergence. I also believe that you can (and must) focus on certain neurotypes. Just because I am neuroaffirming, doesn’t mean I have training and experience with every neurotype. Therapists working with certain neurotypes need to be able to break down the barriers, needs, and ways of operating for whatever neurotype they are working with.
Going forward
If you or someone you know is neurodivergent and is looking for a therapist, you are allowed to ask what their stance is on neurodiversity and how they work with it in their practice. Don’t be afraid to ask what their experience is and concrete ways they support neurodivergent folks. It can be as simple as the lighting in their office, access to sensory items, and how they break down problems in therapy. You deserve to have a clinician who understands and sees all of you. If you are looking for a neurodivergent affirming therapist, reach out to us today to get started.