What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe how people’s brains function differently than others. Neurodivergent people think and perceive the world differently. The term neurodiversity affirms that there is no correct way for people to think; instead, there are ways in which professionals and family members can help others think productively in an environment that is best suited for them. It is essential to promote neurodiversity so that children can be comfortable enough in a setting to learn new skills, subjects, or material. Promoting a neurodiverse environment makes children more comfortable with themselves and the given environment.
Who is Neurodivergent?
Anyone who has one or more neurological conditions can be considered neurodivergent. Common neurodivergent disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), down syndrome, dyslexia, anxiety, intellectual disabilities (ID), mental health conditions (bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.), sensory processing disorder, Tourette syndrome, and many more.
What is Masking?
Neurodivergent affirming practices do not include masking techniques. Masking is the phenomenon in which autistic people develop habits to conceal their autistic tendencies. It involves the conscious and unconscious efforts to change their behaviors to blend into societal situations. Children who engage in masking behaviors are exhausted because they are constantly monitoring their behaviors. They are finding ways to match their environment while suppressing their true identities. Some examples of masking behaviors include hiding stimming behaviors, studying and imitating social behaviors, exhibiting excessive accommodation and helpfulness toward others, scripting, and rehearsing conversations.
Studies show that children and adults who engage in masking behaviors are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety. This is because masking is draining for adults and children who are neurodiverse. Masking requires all of a person’s energy to fit a given scenario. Using all your energy for social situations leaves an individual with no energy for all other areas of life. Masking prevents the development of a person’s true identity because they create an unauthentic identity to fit social norms.
What does it mean to be Neuro-affirming?
The goal of neuro-affirming therapeutic practices is to provide an environment that encourages children to learn and play in the most comfortable way. It is essential to understand the needs of a child by adapting the environment for them. For example, suppose a child has a sensory processing disorder; specifically, they are sensitive to light. Remembering to turn off a light before a session is using neuro-affirming practices by adjusting the environment to fit the child’s needs. Another example would be to provide frequent breaks and movement time for a child with ADHD. Using neuro-affirming practices is taking the time to learn and apply practices that create an encouraging environment fitting the child’s needs.
Resources
More information on what neurodivergent is: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
Information on masking
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/what-is-masking-in-autism
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-masking
Neurodivergent practice ideas:
