What is neurodiversity, my experience with working with people with neurodiversity....

In addition to my experience as a therapist, I have also valued my training and development as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, which has been another of my roles: this has provided me with valuable knowledge and skills to support  both young people and adults who might describe themselves as neurodivergent.Encouraging them to embrace their gifts and strengths as well as navigate challenges has been a key goal in this respect. For many of my clients, coming to this understanding of themselves and the way they operate, whatever their age, has been truly life-changing.  

Where appropriate, I am also able to work collaboratively with schools, colleges and GPs to assist with the process of making referrals for assessments and consider the adjustments required to flourish either ineducation or the workplace.

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So what is Neurodiversity?

Unfortunately,the medical model still includes the word disorder despite the fact that manyof our most successful innovators and entrepreneurs are neurodivergent.

I have particular experience working with thefollowing:

• Dyslexia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or ADD without the hyperactivity
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Therapy canbe useful in terms of exploring strengths and difficulties, celebrating allthat neurodivergence offers and becoming empowered to ask for the adjustmentsthat will enable you to thrive at school, college or in the workplace.

Everyone isdifferent: although it is helpful to use these terms to describe a profile thatmakes sense of and explains things for you, it is just as  important to develop an awareness of theunique way in which you operate and, in particular, flourish.

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Key Principles of Neurodiversity:

1. Diversity, Not Deficiency: Neurodiversity reframes conditions like autism or ADHD as differences rather than problems to be fixed.
2. Strengths and Challenges: It acknowledges that neurodivergent individuals may have unique strengths, such as creativity, attention to detail, or innovative thinking, alongside their challenges.
3. Inclusion and Acceptance: Advocates for neurodiversity seek to create a society where all individuals are valued and supported, regardless of their neurological makeup.
4. Social Model of Disability: Instead of focusing solely on what individuals cannot do,  neurodiversity allies highlight how societal barriers—like lack of accommodations or understanding—contribute to difficulties.

Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical:

• Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered "typical."
• Neurotypical refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning align with societal norms.

Benefits of the Neurodiversity Perspective:

• Encourages respect for different ways of thinking and learning.
• Challenges stigmas associated with neurological differences.
• Promotes workplace and educational accommodations tailored to diverse needs.

Neurodiversity awareness is about, empowering individuals, and recognising the value that neurological diversity brings to society.

Key conditions that are considered neurodivergent.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Dyslexia

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Here are some useful resources:

ADHD

https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

Russell Barkley has a range of excellent You Tube talks on ADHD and also books to help young people and adults. Check out https://www.russellbarkley.org/

ASD

https://www.autism.org.uk/

Some useful books for young people with autism include:

Untypical: Pete Wharmby

A DifferentSort of Normal: Abigail Balfe

Dyslexia

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Resources and strategies for the workplace: https://www.madebydyslexia.org/resources/

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If you have any questions regarding the information in this article or think you could benefit from seeking help for Neurodiverse related issues please feel free to contact me

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