What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function, emphasizing that each individual perceives and engages with their environment uniquely due to differences in cognitive/neurological function. Neurodiversity-Affirming care is a healthcare model that recognizes these differences as part of the human experience, and celebrates them, in contrast to the traditional medical model, which often views these differences as deficits that need to be “fixed.”
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term and can apply to many different cognitive/neurological differences including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), auditory processing disorder (APD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), intellectual disabilities, and much more.
Why is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Important?
Neurodiversity-Affirming care is an approach that emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and understanding, ensuring that neurodiverse individuals receive personalized care that supports them in embracing their strengths and being their authentic selves.
This approach moves away from the outdated belief that neurodiverse individuals need to be “fixed,” and instead fosters better mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being by meeting each person where they are.
How ESHC Implements Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
The ESHC team recently came together to discuss how our clinic can better support neurodiverse individuals by adapting our diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative processes to be more inclusive and attuned to the needs of all patients.
One of our audiology externs, Marissa, explains that providing Neurodiversity Affirming care involves adapting the approach to meet each individual’s needs. For example, providing more time or using different methods of testing to ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the diagnostic process.
Whether she’s performing a hearing evaluation or fitting hearing aids, communication is always a priority for Marissa. She focuses on ensuring that each patient feels understood and supported in the process. Marissa believes that, in our small corner of the world, we should do everything we can to help patients achieve the best quality of life.
Thoughts from Our Clinicians
“Neurodiversity-Affirming care means that patients have a comfortable and safe space to be themselves! In sessions, it means clinicians have the flexibility in following the patient’s lead- therapy becomes more meaningful and applicable to the patient’s life when it is implemented into their interests.” – Erina C., M.S., CF-SLP
“I am passionate about providing care that fosters self-acceptance and confidence in neurodiverse individuals. By adopting a strength-based approach, I focus on leveraging my clients’ inherent skills and capabilities, rather than viewing differences as deficits to be ‘fixed.’ This approach empowers individuals to thrive by honoring their natural abilities and supporting their unique communication styles.
Additionally, Neurodiversity-Affirming care allows for personalized therapeutic goals that align with each individual’s needs, interests, and preferences. It promotes a collaborative therapeutic relationship, with the voices of the family at the heart of our discussions. It is my privilege to support and uplift neurodiverse individuals on their journey to reaching their fullest potential!” – Kellie S., M.S., CCC-SLP