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How to Identify a Neuroaffirming Therapist
By Laura A. Ryan, OT, OTR, OTD
“Neurodiversity is the natural variation in all of our brains. Just like our fingerprints, no two are alike.” —Cynthia Coupe, a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist
AN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT MOVEMENT GAINING TRACTION IN THE THERAPY WORLD IS THE RECOGNITION OF THE MYRIAD OF VARIATIONS IN NEURODIVERSITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING ONE’S PERSONAL NEURODIVERSITY PROFILE AS THE CENTER OF THE THERAPY PRACTICE.
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n formal language, neurodiversity-affirming practice includes ethics, justice, and equity in supporting autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals (OTs for Neurodiversity, 2022) and the recognition of neuroaffirming interactions as a basic human right. In practical language, neurodiversity-affirming practice honors the importance of recognizing, embracing, and respecting the different experiences each individual brings to the therapy table and uses those experiences to form an individualized and collaborative therapeutic relationship. The individual is the primary stakeholder in the therapy process and, as such, should expect their voice and vision to be the central part of the therapy process. The Therapist Neurodiversity Collective (2023, January 1) posted an informational brochure that listed the eight signs of a respectful therapist who embraces neurodiverse affirming practice, which include: 1. One should presume competence. The assumption that the individual CAN versus CANNOT should, at all times, be utilized. Presuming competence facilitates dignity and leads to greater opportunity for authentic real-world experiences. By presuming competence, you recognize an individual is greater than the sum of their parts, that traditional means of showing competence (such as standardized testing) do not support the many facets of an
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individual, and that competence may be impacted by environmental and societal barriers rather than individually constructed ones. 2. There should be the provision of barrier-free access to assistive and augmentative communication. Being able to communicate is a basic human right, and the means to communicate should be readily available for all. The means of communication can vary but should always be upheld as valid and impactful. 3. The expression of self-determination should be facilitated. All individuals have the capacity to make their own choices and, ultimately, choose the direction of their life. This capacity should be at the center of the therapy process. Self-determination should begin at a very young age by giving a child choices or asking for their thoughts and respecting their voice. Self-determination progresses toward adulthood by providing an individual an active role in choosing meaningful activities to pursue after high school graduation. 4. Advocating for inclusion and/or least restrictive measures should be embraced. All individuals deserve equitable and unrestricted access to all settings and the support of accommodations to make access to those settings possible.