What Does 'Neuro-affirming' Mean?
Let's start with 'neurodiversity' and build understanding from there. "Neurodiversity" is a term coined in the 1990's by Judy Singer, an autistic Australian Sociologist. “Neurodiversity” describes a unique way that brains work. While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function the same. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person.
When we hear the term 'neuro-affirming', we use it in context of strength-based engagement with a neurodivergent person. Therapists, teachers, parents and carers may choose to take a strengths-based approach to collaborating with an Autistic person, or a person who experiences anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD or depression.
Neuroaffirming practice embraces the reality that individuals have differences in ability and how they navigate in the world. These differences are not deficits to be fixed, rather strengths to be nurtured.
The A-List Hub describes how a neuro-affirming approach creates positive change:
"Choosing to be neuro-affirming is the first step to creating positive change. Once this mindset is adopted, supportive behaviours and language flow more easily. Research shows that adaptations that empower neurodivergent people, also empower everyone.
The magic for Autistic people happens when they are engaging with people who accept them for who they are, and embrace their uniqueness which creates an environment where everyone can be themselves."
Contact MyKind to learn more.