What is Neuroaffirming Practice? How do I know if my therapist is neuroaffirming?

If you’re searching for support, you’ve likely come across the term ‘neuroaffirming’ but what does it mean? Why is it important? Language is vital when creating shared understanding so here is a quick glossary of terms you may come across:  

Neurodiversity: is a term coined by Australian socialist Judy Singer to describe that there is a natural diversity within human brains and minds. We’re all ‘neurodiverse’. 

Neurodivergence: refers to any brain type that is different to the ‘norm’. Often neurodivergence is used to reference neuro-developmental differences such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, OCD.    

Neurotypical: refers to those who have the most common or ‘average’ brain type. May also be known as allistic or non-autistic in different communities.  

Neuroaffirming Practice: working in a client-centered way that is understanding and supportive of their neurotype.  

How do I know if my therapist is neuroaffirming?  

• They are able to support you in identifying the strengths and barriers that relate to your neurotype
   
• You feel supported in finding strategies that work with your brain, not against it. For example, leaning into hyperfocus rather than discouraging it. Learning how to use sensory experiences to regulate.
• The language they use, they are aware of the broad preference for identity first language such as ‘autistic’ or ‘ADHD’er’. They are also happy to follow your lead if you have different personal preferences such as ‘person with autism’ or ‘aspie’.
• You feel supported in the goal you’ve brought to therapy, not feeling pressure to take on what they think your goals should be. For example, I want to learn how to identify and communicate my needs vs. ‘social skills training’.
• They have a good understanding of common neurodivergent experiences such as hyperfixations, special interests, masking, autistic burn out or the double empathy theory.
• You feel comfortable communicating in your natural way without fear of being misperceived as aggressive, blunt or depressed.
• You feel safe to tell them that they’ve misunderstood you.

Both neurodivergent and neurotypical therapists can practice within a neuroaffirming framework. Therapist / client fit is highly individual and sometimes we don’t know if it will work until we’ve tried. Trust yourself and know that it is completely normal and natural to disengage from someone if it’s not the right fit. Sometimes it’s like buying a pair of new shoes. We have to try a few before we find the right pair.  

Author:
Maddison Ciaralli – Registered Psychologist