Embracing Neurodiversity: Real-World Practices for Affirming therapy
Neurodiversity affirming therapy is not about teaching people to conform to societal norms. It's not about forcing people to fit into a mold that doesn't suit them or suppressing their unique traits to appear "normal." This approach recognizes and respects the diversity of human brains and behaviors, rejecting the idea that there is a single correct way to think and act.
The Aims and Harms of ABA Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy often aims to modify behaviors to align with societal expectations, which can be harmful to neurodiverse individuals. Here are a few reasons why ABA can be detrimental:
Focus on Compliance: ABA often emphasizes compliance over understanding and autonomy, which can undermine an individual's sense of self and agency.
Emotional Harm: The techniques used in ABA, such as repetitive drills and rewards/punishments, can cause emotional distress and trauma.
Ignoring Individual Needs: ABA typically focuses on changing outward behaviors without considering the underlying needs and experiences of the individual.
Therapy tailored for neurodivergent individuals can offer a variety of benefits and supports. Here’s what you might expect:
Education on Neurodiversity and Specific Diagnoses: Therapy can provide valuable information about neurodiversity and specific diagnoses such as Autism or ADHD. Understanding these conditions can help individuals and their loved ones recognize that neurodiverse traits are part of natural human variation, not deficiencies. There is a focus on each client being the self-expert of their own experience.
Processing Diagnoses and Coping with Stigma: Therapy can help individuals process their diagnoses and deal with any associated stigma. This includes exploring personal feelings about the diagnosis, learning to navigate social misconceptions, and advocating for necessary accommodations in different settings.
Building Self-Advocacy, Boundary-Setting, and Coping Skills: Therapy often focuses on developing essential skills such as self-advocacy, setting healthy boundaries, and coping with various challenges. Techniques might include mindfulness, building self-advocacy skills, emotional well-being, breathing exercises, self-regulation strategies, and distress tolerance methods. These skills empower neurodivergent people to manage their emotions and interactions more effectively.
Navigating Relationships: Therapy can assist in managing relationships with family, friends, and partners. It can help neurodivergent individuals understand and express their needs for personal space and rest, establish boundaries, and communicate effectively to maintain healthy relationships.
Addressing Work and School Challenges: Therapy can provide strategies to handle challenges in work and school environments. This might include preventing burnout, leveraging personal strengths, advocating for accommodations, and finding a balance that supports mental health and productivity.
Managing Chronic Illness or Pain: For those dealing with chronic illness or pain, therapy can offer support and strategies to manage these conditions. This might involve pain management techniques, pacing activities to prevent overexertion, and emotional support to cope with ongoing challenges.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Identities: Therapy can also support individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, helping them navigate issues related to both their neurodiversity and their gender or sexual identity. This inclusive approach ensures that all aspects of a person's identity are respected and affirmed.
Conclusion
Although I cannot provide a formal diagnosis for Autism or ADHD due to the scope of my license (a psychologist or psychiatrist is the appropriate professional for this type of testing), I strive to offer an affirming and safe space where people with ADHD and Autism can learn coping skills, gain education, and process issues related to their realized identity. Therapy for neurodivergent people is diverse and tailored to meet unique needs, fostering an environment where it is possible to thrive authentically and confidently.