Navigating Neurodiversity: Embracing Differences and Affirming Identities

What Is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a term you might have seen more often lately, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, it refers to the natural differences in how people think, process, learn, and interact with the world. This can include things like Autism, ADHD, learning differences, and more. Some people also use the term to include mental health conditions like OCD or anxiety.

There’s no single definition of neurodivergence because it means different things to different people. Some view it as a medical condition that affects daily life, while others see it as part of who they are—a different, not defective, way of experiencing the world.

Two Ways of Looking at Neurodivergence

There are two main ways people talk about neurodivergence: the medical model and the social model.

• The medical model sees neurodivergence as a set of disorders that need treatment or fixing. It focuses on what’s seen as “impaired” or “not typical,” and it often tries to help people become more like the neurotypical majority.

  
  

• The social model, on the other hand, sees neurodivergence as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. It argues that many of the challenges neurodivergent people face come not from their brains, but from environments that aren’t built with them in mind.

  
  

Why Language and Perspective Matter

Historically, neurodivergent people were often left out of conversations about their own experiences. But research is starting to show that people with lived experience—especially autistic people—often have a more accurate and less biased understanding of neurodivergence than professionals who are not neurodivergent themselves.

This is why it’s so important to listen to neurodivergent voices and include them in research, services, and support planning. As more neurodivergent people speak up and are included in shaping how we understand these differences, the way society views neurodivergence is starting to shift—from something to be "treated" to something to be understood, supported, and respected.

In this blog and in our work, we use identity-first language (like “autistic person”) because it’s preferred by many in the neurodivergent community. We also lean into the social model, which values diversity and works toward making the world more accessible and inclusive for all brains.

What Is Neurodivergent-Affirming Care?

Neurodivergent-affirming care is a supportive approach to mental health that respects and values the unique ways neurodivergent people—like those with Autism or ADHD—experience the world. Unlike traditional models that often focus on "fixing" or "normalising" behaviour, affirming care focuses on acceptance, support, and mental wellbeing.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from this type of care. It’s about working together to understand your needs, reduce stress, and support areas like emotional regulation or time management—without trying to change who you are. Feeling accepted by others, especially family and peers, has been shown to greatly improve the wellbeing of neurodivergent individuals.

Small changes can make a big difference—like adjusting the therapy space to be more comfortable, asking what you want support with, and using approaches that build self-compassion instead of shame. Neurodivergent-affirming care meets you where you are and supports you as your authentic self.