What is a neuro-affirmative approach?

Neuro-affirmaty is a relatively new concept that is used to describe a more positive and strengths based approach to neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and autism. This is a wonderful change, as there are so many amazing aspects to being neurodiverse, such as:

• Attention to detail

• Reliability

• Ability to focus intently on an area of interest

• Unconventional thinking and approaches

• Honesty

• Thriving on routine

  
  

Over time, my assessments of autism/ADHD have changed to incorporate more questioning, exploring and rephrasing of questions away from a deficit approach, which assumes neurotypical norms are the correct ones and anything else is disordered, to one that approaches traits in terms of difference and preference.

For example, rather than an 'inability to maintain eye contact', I may ask if someone finds it easier to have a conversation with someone if they are not looking into their eyes. Rather than 'do you find it difficult to make small talk' I may ask what someone prefers in terms of conversation, and how they feel about small talk. I will ask about a person's passions rather than 'special interests' or obsessions, and I will ask about areas a person feels they are better in compared with a neurotypical person.

Remember, the main reason a neurodiverse person finds areas of life difficult is because they are being expected to cope in a world aimed at neurotypicals.