Supporting Neurodiversity

At Inside Out, we work alongside neurodivergent children and their families every day. Supporting neurodiversity, in our therapy rooms, in schools and at home, sits at the heart of what we do. This guide is an introduction for families who want to better understand what neurodiversity is and how to support a neurodivergent child.

Understanding neurodiversity

You may have heard your child be described as ‘neurodivergent’ or have a certain ‘neurotype’, but what does this mean? Here are some simplified definitions.

Neurotypes

Neurotypes are the different ways a brain can function. They are usually split into ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergent’.

Neurotypical

Neurotypical individuals have brains that function in ways that society considers ‘standard’ or expected.

Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent individuals have brains that function differently and may have ADHD, autism, etc.

Neurodiversity refers to the range of different neurotypes that naturally occur, and how these should all be valued equally as they contribute to a more vibrant and diverse society.

Co-occurring neurotypes

ADHD’ers may also have co-occurring neurotypes. Some of these are:

Autism Anxiety Dyslexia Tourettes Oppositional Defiant Disorder Bipolar Dyspraxia Depression Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Giftedness

What does being ‘neuroaffirming’ mean?

Being neuroaffirming is the concept of celebrating the natural diversity of human brains, instead of seeing differences as ‘deficits.’ It’s about embracing the fact that everyone has unique strengths, needs and ways of interacting within the world.

Principles of neuroaffirming care

Focus on the strengths, values and self-worth of neurodiverse people.
Many of the challenges faced by neurodivergent people are not from individual deficits, but from environments that aren’t built with them in mind.
Therapy and supports should be focused on fostering safe and supportive environments that allow an ADHD’er to be themselves.
The goal is not to dismiss the challenges faced by ADHD’ers, but to recognise the many strengths and benefits that come with neurodivergence.

It is important for families to have a neuroaffirming mindset, as you will need to support your child and advocate for them in many different settings.

How to be neuroaffirming

Below are eight practical ways families can be neuroaffirming day to day, drawn from our work supporting children and parents in our clinic.

1. Use neuroaffirming language

Use neuroaffirming language when referring to neurodivergent individuals to convey respect and inclusivity. As a guide, see below for the current preferred terminology of the ADHD community.

ADHD’er

ADHD’ers often prefer this term as ADHD is a part of their identity that they are proud of.

Person with ADHD

This is less preferred, as it can make ADHD sound like unwanted baggage.

Preferred terms	Outdated terms
Differences	Deficits
Traits	Symptoms
Has ADHD	Suffering from ADHD
Level of support needs	Severity
Co-occurring	Co-morbid
Behaviours of concern	Challenging behaviours

Embrace your child’s neurodiversity by letting them know that you accept them exactly as they are, and that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with them.

Celebrate your child’s interests and show interest in the things your child enjoys, for example, ask them questions about their favourite movies, ask to play their favourite game with them, or celebrate when they are proud of their work in a favourite school subject.

Focus on your child’s strengths and interests and use them when possible during tasks to boost enjoyment and success, for example, incorporate music or movement into their morning routine if they enjoy extra sensory input.

Compliment your child when they put effort in to boost self-esteem, for example, “I love how you didn’t give up on your homework even when it got tricky.”

Adjust your child’s environment to match their needs and set them up for success, for example, provide quiet spaces if your child gets over-stimulated easily.

Be flexible and understand that each day may be different, and your routines may look different to neurotypical households. This is okay.

Talk to your OT who can provide further resources and support tailored to your child and family.

How Inside Out supports neurodivergent families

Supporting neurodiversity is woven into every part of our service, from how our therapists speak with children, to how we coach families, to how we work with schools. Our occupational therapists are trained in neuroaffirming practice and work with families to celebrate their child’s strengths while building the skills and environments that help them thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about our ADHD Clinic or how we can support your family, get in touch with our reception team.

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