Episode 12: What practices are actually Neurodiversity Affirming?

"The Neuroaffirming Parent" is an uplifting and educational podcast dedicated to supporting Neurodivergent and Neurotypical parents, educators, activists, and listeners in creating a nurturing, affirming, and neuroinclusive environment for neurodiverse household in a neurodiverse world.

Music source: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/holiznacc0/

Music by HoliznaCC0

From the Free Music Archive, CC BY-NC 3.0

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One key aspect of advocating for neurodiversity-affirming practices is rejecting harmful approaches like behaviorism and functioning labels. Behaviorism reduces individuals to a set of behaviors to be modified, often neglecting the underlying needs and experiences of neurodivergent people.

Instead of relying on behaviorism, we should focus on evidence-based practices rooted in neuroscience. These approaches are built on a foundation of understanding how the brain functions and how neurodivergent individuals can thrive. This means looking at interventions and therapies that are backed by scientific research.

We should draw inspiration from adult autistic rights activists like Jim Sinclair. Their advocacy has been instrumental in promoting acceptance, understanding, and support for autistic individuals. It's a reminder that the voices and perspectives of neurodivergent adults are invaluable in shaping our parenting and educational practices.

What does it look like to practice neurodiversity-affirming parenting? It starts with recognizing and respecting your child's unique neurocognitive profile. It means creating an environment that supports their individual needs, interests, and strengths.

The principles of neurodiversity should also extend into the educational, medical, and all other systems of society.

Resources: 

Historicizing Jim Sinclair’s “Don’t Mourn for Us”: A Cultural and Intellectual History of Neurodiversity’s First Manifesto by Sarah Pripas-Kapit

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-8437-0_2

behaviorism-is-dead-how-do-we-tell-the-autism-parents

https://neuroclastic.com/behaviorism-is-dead-how-do-we-tell-the-autism-parents/

A Review of B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior by Noam Chomsky

 https://chomsky.info/1967____/

Why ABA Therapy is Harmful to Autistic People

https://autisticscienceperson.com/why-aba-therapy-is-harmful-to-autistic-people/

Therapist Neurodiversity Collective, Inc

https://therapistndc.org/

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Remember, every human is unique, and the strategies that work best for one human may differ for another. Be willing to adapt and evolve your approach as you learn more about neurodiversity and the needs and strengths of all humans. Incorporating neurodiversity affirming practices is an ongoing journey of learning, empathy, and growth.

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