The Neurodiversity Affirming Approach
At Cup of Tea Psychology, we pride ourselves on taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach to everything we do, from our therapeutic methods, to our assessments, to our office setup and our communication.
But what does that actually mean?
What is a “Neurodiversity-Affirming” approach?
The neurodiversity-affirming paradigm recognizes and celebrates the natural variations in how people think, learn, and experience the world. Instead of viewing neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.) through a lens of "disorder" or something to be fixed, this perspective sees these differences as a natural part of human diversity.
This approach focuses on understanding, respecting, and supporting people's unique strengths and challenges, and aims to create inclusive environments that allow everyone to thrive.
What is the benefit of taking a Neurodiversity-Affirming approach?
Taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach is a critical component of the work we do at Cup of Tea Psychology, and allows us to:
recognise and identify high-masking, internalised, and non-stereotypical presentations of neurodivergence
provide therapeutic care and assessments that accommodate each individual’s unique strengths and challenges
create a safe, relaxed, and non-judgemental space for neurodivergent folk to explore their neurotype and experience
support neurodivergent people and their loved ones to manage the challenges that stem from living in a neurotypical society
see every individual as their whole self, acknowledge their unique experiences, and respect them as the expert of their own life.
By providing neurodiversity-affirming care, we aim to create a safe space for people of all neurotypes to feel understood, validated, respected, and valued.
Why does it matter?
The stigma and stereotypes that exist around neurodivergence contribute to a host of negative outcomes, including:
Discrimination against neurodivergent folks in social settings, schools, workplaces, family networks, and the health system
Viewing neurodivergence as a deficit, disorder, or problem that requires fixing or ‘treatment’
Pressure for neurodivergent people to conform to neurotypical standards or ‘mask’
Reduced access to support, inadequate support, or ‘supports’ that are actually harmful
Missed strengths, abilities, and talents that are overlooked by focusing on challenges
Denying access to opportunities or hindering potential development by infantilising neurodivergent people
Missed identification of neurodivergent folk that don’t fit the outdated, stereotyped idea of neurodivergence (e.g. women and girls, people who are AFAB, gender diverse folk, high-masking or internalised presentations, people with co-occurring diagnoses or challenges, people with high intelligence)
Significant mental health risks including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, burnout, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, self-harm, and suicidality
Barriers to accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare and education
The neurodiversity-affirming paradigm challenges these stereotypes and aims to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate these problems.
So aren’t all psychologists neurodiversity-affirming?
What makes you different?
Unfortunately, not all psychologists (or psychiatrists, paediatricians, teachers, etc.) follow the neurodiversity-affirming framework. It is especially unfortunate that so many professionals who work with neurodivergent folks often have have biases or stereotyped views of neurodivergence, even at a subconscious level.
You may have even experienced this yourself if you are neurodivergent, or with a neurodivergent loved one. Non-affirming care can look like:
A medical professional refusing to consider autism because the person has friends, or made eye contact with them
Being told you must not have ADHD because you managed to complete schooling, university, or keep a difficult job
Using deficit-focused language like ‘disorder’, ‘deficits’, or talking about ‘managing’ a neurodivergent person
Assuming that all neurodivergent people have the same experiences and challenges and that they need the same support
Using assessment tools or therapeutic methods that are outdated, based on stereotypes, or not appropriate for the individual.
At Cup of Tea Psychology, we commit to continuously improving our practice and maintaining a high level of neurodiversity-affirming care.
We achieve this by engaging in regular professional development, using the most up-to-date and affirming methods, using self-reflection, and seeking input from other neurodivergent people.