What Does It Mean to Be a Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapist?

Understanding Neurodiversity

As parents, you’ve likely heard the term neurodiversity- but what does it really mean when it comes to supporting your child?

Neurodiversity is the idea that we all think, learn, and experience the world in different ways- and that this diversity is natural and valuable. The term was first introduced by Judy Singer, an autistic sociologist and activist, who helped us understand that differences in the brain are part of human diversity, just like eye color or personality.

Neurodivergent individuals may include:

• Autistic children and adults

• People with ADHD (sometimes called ADHDers!)

• Individuals with learning differences like dyslexia or dyspraxia

• Those with sensory processing or neurological differences

• And others who experience and interact with the world in ways that might differ from the majority

What Does It Mean for a Therapist to Be Neurodiversity-Affirming?

A neurodiversity affirming therapist works to affirm, or support, individuals who may think, learn, or act differently from the majority. Neurodiversity affirming therapists know that supporting individuals who think and learn differently can promote successful, creative, and thriving learning environments.

How Neurodiversity-Affirming OT Might Look for Your Child

Here are some of the ways a neurodiversity-affirming OT supports children and families in practical, compassionate ways:

1. Spotlighting Strengths First

Every child has something amazing to bring to the table- maybe it’s an eye for detail, a vivid imagination, a strong sense of justice, or deep empathy. A neurodiversity-affirming OT takes time to notice and celebrate those strengths and uses them to build skills in therapy. These strengths are shared with you and your child’s team to help everyone better understand how your child shines.

2. Following Your Child’s Interests

What makes your child’s eyes shine with excitement? Whether it’s dinosaurs, Minecraft, axolotls, or outer space, a great therapist will weave those passions into therapy sessions. Building connection and trust often starts with shared joy.

3. Proving Unlimited Access to Sensory Supports

The key word: unlimited! If your child benefits from sensory tools - like noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, a cozy swing, or movement breaks - they shouldn’t have to earn access to those supports. These tools help your child regulate and feel safe, especially during challenging moments. Therapy spaces should be built with this in mind. Sensory tools should be readily accessible by the child and always available and easy to get. 

4. Personalizing How Your Child Learns

Every child learns in their own unique way. Some may thrive through imaginative role play, while others may connect better with video modeling, large body movements, hands-on activities, or storytelling. Perhaps your child excels with technology or enjoys helping others. A neurodiversity-affirming OT adapts strategies to your child’s learning style - so therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all.

5. Defining Success Together

Your goals for your child might be different from what’s written on a standardized form, and that’s okay. A therapist who values neurodiversity will ask, “What matters most to you, your family and your child?” and will tailor therapy goals to fit your values, hopes, and everyday life.

6. Supporting All Forms of Communication

Communication doesn’t always look like spoken words. Your child might use gestures, facial expressions, an AAC device, scripting, expressive art, or other unique ways to share their thoughts. All communication is valid- and therapy should support your child in using what feels natural to them.

7. Encouraging Self-Advocacy 

From saying “no” to requesting a break or asking for help, learning to speak up for one’s needs is a critical life skill. Therapy should be a safe place for your child to practice this skill, in whatever communication method works best for them.

8. Honoring Their Rhythm

We all have good days and tough days- children included. A neurodiversity-affirming approach means meeting your child where they are that day, and helping them listen to their body’s cues and needs with compassion and flexibility.

9. Respecting Body Autonomy

Your child should always have a say in what happens to their body. Whether it’s pushing a swing, giving a high-five, or using a sensory tool, your child should have the chance to consent - and to say “stop”-  in whatever way makes sense to them. 

10. Learning From the Neurodivergent Community

Perhaps most importantly, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist listens to and learns from neurodivergent individuals. There’s so much wisdom in lived experience. Understanding perspectives directly from autistic people, ADHDers, and others helps therapists provide more respectful, informed care. A neurodivergent therapist brings their own lived experience to their practice, which can be invaluable. However, they may still reach out to the broader community for additional insights or to better understand diverse perspectives. For therapists who aren’t neurodivergent themselves, they often dedicate significant time to learning from and engaging with the neurodivergent community to ensure they provide the most thoughtful, informed care possible.

For Parents: You Are Part of the Journey

As a parent, your voice matters - both as an advocate and an essential part of your child’s therapy journey. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or navigating this journey alongside your child, you play a key role. Together, you can embrace the idea that there are many different types of brains, and each one has something valuable to offer.

Written by Nicole Raisin, OTR/L