Neurodivergent-Affirming Practice Checklist (Simplified)
- Foster Neurodivergent-Affirming Beliefs
Recognize Diversity: View neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity, not a deficit.
Understand Stress: Acknowledge the unique stress neurodivergent individuals face in neurotypical environments.
Respect Self-Diagnosis: Accept self-identification due to barriers to official diagnosis.
Challenge Bias: Actively address ableism and internal biases.
- Create a Sensory-Friendly and Accessible Space
Provide Sensory Tools: Offer items like weighted blankets or fidgets for self-regulation.
Adapt Environment: Adjust lighting, noise, and other factors to meet sensory needs.
Accessible Scheduling: Use online scheduling, reminders, and flexible formats (video, phone).
Inclusive Forms: Design intake forms to be dyslexia-friendly or allow verbal alternatives.
- Align Therapeutic Approaches
Incorporate Interests: Use clients’ passions to build connection and relevance.
Celebrate Identity: Help clients embrace their neurodivergence as part of their identity.
Challenge Ableism: Reframe negative beliefs tied to societal ableism.
Adapt Communication: Support preferred modes like writing, art, or music.
- Be Flexible in Therapy
Use Flexible Modalities: Tailor methods (e.g., ACT, DBT) instead of rigidly sticking to CBT.
Set Clear Expectations: Be transparent about therapy goals and processes.
Client-Centered Planning: Focus on client goals rather than neurotypical benchmarks.
- Promote Authenticity
Encourage Unmasking: Reassure clients they can express themselves naturally.
Support Identity Exploration: Help clients safely unmask and rediscover their true selves.
- Support Regulation
Teach Sensory Awareness: Help clients identify sensory triggers and preferences.
Nervous System Tools: Use strategies like grounding or movement for regulation.
Address Alexithymia: Help clients understand and process emotions and body signals.
- Affirm in Social Interactions
Teach Advocacy: Guide clients in setting boundaries and advocating for themselves.
Navigate Relationships: Address healthy vs. unhealthy dynamics and embrace unique social styles.
- Avoid Harmful Symbols
Reject Puzzle Piece: Avoid symbols that suggest neurodivergence is a problem to be fixed.
Use Affirming Symbols: Choose inclusive symbols like the infinity sign with genuine intent.
- Key Therapy Tasks
Reduce Shame: Reframe neurodivergent traits as strengths.
Integrate Identity: Help clients explore and affirm their neurodivergent identity.
Teach Self-Advocacy: Build skills for advocating needs in various settings.
Address Trauma: Focus on trauma from invalidation in a neurotypical world.
Prevent Burnout: Prioritize rest and strategies to avoid burnout.
- Treatment Planning
Executive Functioning Support: Offer strategies or referrals for ADHD and executive challenges.
Address Co-Morbidities: Treat common conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Substance Abuse Awareness: Be mindful of risks and provide support if needed.
Suicide Prevention: Proactively address higher risks of suicidal ideation.
- Take an Intersectional Approach
Acknowledge Overlaps: Recognize how neurodivergence intersects with race, gender, and other identities.
Inclusive Practices: Create space for clients to discuss how these intersections shape their experiences.
- Commit to Growth
Keep Learning: Pursue education on neurodivergent issues and therapies.
Consult Experts: Learn from neurodivergent-led trainings and lived experiences.
Reflect Regularly: Evaluate and improve your practices to stay accountable.