Neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of human diversity, but unfortunately, neurodivergent people are often misunderstood, overlooked, or asked to change who they are to fit into systems that are not built for them.

In recent years, we have seen a growing shift toward neurodivergent-affirming care, which is an approach that embraces differences in how people think, feel, and process the world. Here, we will explore what it means to be neurodivergent, why affirming care matters, and how we can put that care into meaningful practice. This conversation matters – and you are welcome here.

What Does it Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Before we continue, let’s first clarify what it means to be neurodivergent. Being neurodivergent means that a person’s brain functions, learns, or processes information in ways that are different from what is considered “typical” or “neurotypical”. It is a broad term that includes a range of neurological differences, and it highlights that these differences are just that – differences, not deficits. 

Neurodivergence is completely natural. It is not always a diagnosis – some people identify as neurodivergent even without a formal diagnosis. The conversation around neurodivergence often emphasizes strengths, creativity, and alternative problem-solving abilities, while recognizing where support may be needed.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Care: What is It?

If mental health is something you care about, or if you’re professionally involved in the field, you may have heard of neurodivergent-affirming care.This is an approach to healthcare that respects, values, and works with the unique ways that neurodivergent people think, feel, and experience the world, rather than trying to “fix” or “normalize” them. 

At its core, neurodivergent-affirming care sees conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia as differences, and not as disorders that need to be cured. It involves listening to and valuing the voices of neurodivergent people about what helps them thrive, and avoids therapies or interventions that aim to make someone appear more “neurotypical” at the expense of their well-being.

With neurodivergent-affirming care, we want to create safe and inclusive environments. The main message this type of care is trying to convey is: “You are not broken. You are different, and that’s okay. Together, let’s figure out how to support you in a way that actually works for you.”

Putting Neurodivergent-Affirming Care Into Practice

So, what does neurodivergent-affirming care look like in practice? It can be used across many different settings, but the main thing to remember is that it is about creating support systems that honour neurodivergent people’s needs and preferences.

Encouraging Collaboration Over Compliance

In the mental health field, therapists are encouraged to work with the client to identify goals that matter to them, and not ones that are based on “normalizing” their behaviour.

Respecting Communication Styles

It is also important to respect communication styles – whether a client uses AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), scripts, metaphors, or needs extra processing time, these are respected and accommodated.

Sensory Considerations

There are also sensory aspects to take into consideration, such as lights, textures, sounds, and smells, and these are adjusted in the therapy space to avoid any sensory overload. Clients are never pushed to suppress natural behaviours such as stimming, and are not forced into making eye contact.

Validation of Identity

Neurodivergence is not pathologized. Instead, strengths and challenges are viewed through a lens of acceptance. We see you, we understand you, and we accept you for who you are.

Empowering Others with Affirming Care

The key thing to keep in mind is that neurodivergent-affirming care is about seeing and supporting people for who they truly are, and not who the world expects them to be. We want to shift from a mindset of “fixing” to one of honouring differences, creating spaces for neurodivergent people to feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Whether you work in the mental health industry, or simply someone who cares, practicing this kind of care begins with listening, learning, and being compassionate. When we commit to making our systems and spaces more inclusive, we help create a world where everyone can thrive.

To learn more about neurodivergent-affirming care, contact us with any questions you may have or book a consultation with the Healing Spaces team today. We support direct billing through Autism Funding.