What is Neuroaffirming practice?

Neuroaffirming Practice

Neuroaffirming practice refers to methods and actions that recognise, respect, and support the unique ways our brains work. These practices aim to create welcoming environments that value and celebrate neurodivergent ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world, rather than trying to change or "fix" them to fit a typical standard. Neuroaffirming practices often involve personalised help, accommodations, and strategies that use a person's strengths and support their challenges. By focusing on acceptance and support, these practices help improve the well-being and empowerment of neurodivergent individuals (Brown, 2021; Kapp, 2020).

Is this the same as taking a Neuro-divergent approach?

Taking a neuroaffirming approach and embracing neurodiversity are related concepts but not identical. A neuroaffirming approach means using methods and ideas that accept and support the unique ways our brains work. This often involves personalised help and recognising the identities of neurodivergent people (Brown, 2021). On the other hand, neurodiversity is a broader concept that includes all the different ways human brains function. It assumes that these differences should be seen as natural variations to be respected, not as problems (Singer, 1998). While a neuroaffirming approach aligns with the principles of neurodiversity, neurodiversity itself is a broader idea that advocates for the inclusion and acceptance of all types of brains (Walker, 2021). In this way, a neuroaffirming approach uses the values of neurodiversity to help neurodivergent individuals thrive.

References

Brown, L. X. Z. (2021). Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions. Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Kapp, S. K. (2020). Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline. Palgrave Macmillan.

Singer, J. (1998). Odd People In: The Birth of Community Amongst People on the Autism Spectrum. A thesis presented to the faculty of the University of Technology, Sydney.

Walker, N. (2021). Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities. Autonomous Press.