Celebrating Neurodiversity: Embracing Differences through Affirming Care
If your child was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you may feel like your world has shifted. You might worry about their future and the goals you had for them. Society often sees neurodivergence as something to “fix.” However, a growing movement—neurodivergent-affirming care—takes a different approach. Instead of focusing on what is "wrong," it recognizes and supports the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals. The world is changing, and now you can be part of that change!
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity simply means that every brain is wired a little differently.
A mother and daughter may both have green eyes, but it’s highly unlikely their eyes are the exact same shade of green! Just like eye color - no two brains are the same.
Neurodivergence is a natural variation of the human experience. As society grows and changes, so do brains! Neurodivergence includes conditions like ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. These are not conditions that need to be “cured” but developmental differences in how people think and process the world.
What is Neurodiversity Affirmation?
Affirming neurodiversity means understanding that just because someone's brain is different it does not mean their brain is broken. The idea of “normal” is outdated. Instead of trying to make neurodivergent people fit into a “typical” mold, neurodiversity-affirming care supports their strengths and individuality while teaching them safe behaviors and promoting independence.
You can affirm Neurodiversity by:
- Accepting that neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity, not something to "fix."
- Focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Use strengths to help overcome challenges.
- Supporting communication in ways that feel natural for neurodivergent individuals.
- Creating inclusive environments where people feel valued for who they are.
Why Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Matters
Traditional beliefs on how to work with neurodivergent populations often focus on ways to make neurodivergent individuals "fit in" by suppressing their natural behaviors. This can lead to masking, where they hide their true selves to avoid judgment from people around them.
Masking is exhausting and can cause anxiety, depression, and burnout. Instead of forcing neurodivergent people to conform to societal expectations, affirming care builds confidence, self-worth, and authenticity—leading to a better quality of life.
Neurodiversity-affirming care focuses on teaching and increasing behaviors that help individuals thrive. All while subsequently decreasing and replacing behaviors that could harm the individuals or the people around them. Self-acceptance and safety are the primary goals of care.
Example:
You turn in a math assignment. Your teacher says you didn’t follow the instructions, even though you got the right answer. When you show them your work, they say, “That’s not how I learned it, but it makes sense. Nice job!”
Neurodivergent individuals often take a different path to reach the end goal, but that doesn’t make it wrong. The goal of life is happiness and fulfillment, even if the journey looks different than what you had initially planned.
How to Support Your Child’s Neurodivergence
As a parent, caregiver, or loved one, you play a key role in supporting a neurodivergent child. You have the incredible ability to act as their advocate to enact change in the world and create an atmosphere that is inclusive for them and their peers.
Here’s how:
- Learn about neurodiversity and challenge outdated ideas.
- Advocate for accommodations in school or therapy that respect your child’s needs.
- Encourage self-expression. Let them be themselves instead of teaching them to "mask."
- Support their interests. Ask about what they love!
- Build a support system with like-minded families and caregivers.
The neurodiversity-affirming movement aims to create a world where all people are valued and supported—no matter how their brain works. The world is changing, and you can be part of the change! By embracing neurodiversity, we’re not just helping neurodivergent individuals—we’re making society stronger for everyone.
