What Does “Neurodiversity Affirming” Support Really Mean? Ivy Psychology’s Perspective on Respectful, Individualised Care
The term “neurodiversity affirming” is increasingly used across therapy and disability services, particularly in Psychology and Behaviour Support settings. For many neurodivergent people seeking support, it signals the hope of being met with respect, understanding, and validation. But what does it actually mean?
At Ivy Psychology, we are committed to delivering genuinely affirming, neurodiversity-informed psychological support. Our approach is shaped by a respect for neurological differences, an emphasis on collaborative practice, and a questioning of the unnecessary pathologising of traits that fall within the broad range of natural human variation.
Moving Beyond Deficit: A Paradigm Shift
Neurodiversity affirming practice is grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, which recognises differences such as Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence as part of natural human diversity. Under a neurodiversity lens, these are viewed as differences to be understood rather than disorders to be fixed. This view is aligned with the social model of disability, which places the burden of change not exclusively on the individual but on the environment, systems, and expectations that limit inclusion.
At Ivy Psychology, we see neurodivergence not as something to be treated or corrected, but as a valuable part of a person’s identity and way of experiencing the world. Our clinicians are committed to recognising the inherent worth in different processing systems.
This approach does not encourage super-optimism. Living as a neurodivergent person in a world built for neurotypical people comes with significant challenge. It can be distressing, overwhelming and there are often implications on functioning.
Walking the Line: Support That Balances Accommodation and Skill Building
Our work aims to find a meaningful balance between two essential elements: developing workable accommodations that reduce distress and remove unnecessary barriers, and building adaptive skills in a way that is relevant, respectful, and person-centred. We do not impose neurotypical standards but instead collaborate with clients to identify goals that make sense in the context of their lives.
Rather than using generic models, we tailor interventions based on individual needs, preferences, and values. For some, this might mean helping reduce sensory overload or develop communication strategies; for others, it might involve working through trauma or navigating social relationships.
New Research Helps Define What “Affirming” Means
Until recently, there was no clear, research-based definition of what constitutes neurodiversity affirming practice in psychology. A 2024 study by Flower et al., published in Autism in Adulthood, sought to address this gap.
The researchers used a Delphi method to gather insights from 28 experts. This included Autistic adults who had engaged in therapy, and both Autistic and non-autistic psychologists who described their work as neurodiversity affirming. Over three rounds, the panel developed a consensus model with seven core principles:
Commitment to ongoing learning
Psychologists must continuously learn from neurodivergent voices and experiences.
Creating safety for the ‘authentic’ self
Therapy must allow space for stimming, alternative communication, and sensory needs.
Adapted communication
Clinicians should be open to adjusting how they communicate to suit the client.
Authenticity and humility
Affirming practice requires self-awareness, openness to feedback, and a willingness to grow.
Validation of neurodivergent experiences
Clients’ lived realities must be believed, not minimised or reframed as dysfunction.
Individualised, person-centred support
Support must be flexible, not based on standardised assumptions.
Genuine acceptance and appreciation
Neurodivergence should be embraced as a valid way of being, not simply tolerated.
Why This Matters for Neurodivergent Adults
Many neurodivergent individuals, particularly Autistic adults, report feeling misunderstood or even harmed by traditional therapy approaches that focus on masking or meeting neurotypical expectations. The research by Flower et al. offers an evidence-based framework for both clinicians and clients to identify what affirming practice should look like.
At Ivy Psychology, we use this type of research to guide our reflective practice and ensure that our support is grounded in lived experience, not just clinical theory.
Our Commitment at Ivy Psychology
We recognise that each neurodivergent person brings unique strengths, needs, and perspectives. Our commitment is to walk alongside our clients. We do not sell ourselves as experts telling them who to be, but as respectful partners working to co-create environments, strategies, and support systems that work for them.
Above all, we affirm that different brains are not broken, faulty or wrong. They are different, and that difference has inherent value.
Reference
Flower, R. L., Benn, R., Bury, S., Camin, M., Muggleton, J., Richardson, E. K., Bulluss, E. K., & Jellett, R. (2024). Defining Neurodiversity Affirming Psychology Practice for Autistic Adults: A Delphi Study Integrating Psychologist and Client Perspectives. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2024.0305
