emmawestoncounselling@proton.me
A Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach
My Master's research was about therapists' experiences of working with autistic people. Whilst working on placement with an autism charity I became curious about how other therapists worked with autistic people. I was mindful that I had adapted my own therapeutic approach to ensure my clients had a suitable therapeutic environment. Examples of how my work has been adapted are: I consider sensory needs and the environment that I use, I use a very visual approach in my work, as well as lots of psychoeducation, and I incorporate topics of interests where appropriate. I used an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach for my research.
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds and variations are normal and valuable with neurodiversity being the concept that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. The term ‘neurodiversity’ was coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, and stands in opposition of viewing people as ‘suffering’ from deficits, diseases or dysfunctions in their mental processing, suggesting instead that we speak about differences in cognitive functioning. The term ‘neurodiverse’ includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, various mental health issues such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety issues, acquired memory losses, Tourette’s and other neurominorities. Rooted in the social model of disability, neurodiversity sees disability as entrenched in society rather than the individual, and proponents of the neurodiversity movement want to make it easier for all neurodiverse people to be able to contribute to society as they are rather than how society would want them to. The neurodiversity viewpoint accepts that society pathologises autistic behaviour. Autistic people are in the minority and they can be misunderstood, marginalised, and discriminated against.
I use a neurodiversity-affirmative approach to working with my clients. My belief is that neurodiversity is a part of human diversity that doesn't need to be fixed. We need diversity in all forms as it makes the world a far richer place. Ableism refers to attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of people that are neurodivergent. It assumes that a neurotypical way of being is the norm, this can lead to neurodivergent people thinking their way of being in the world is wrong or unacceptable and therefore they mask and try to fit in. This can leave people feeling drained and exhausted trying to conform to neurotypical rules or expectations that are socially enforced expectations of behaviour. This can lead to stress and anxiety as well as autistic fatigue and burnout. Here is a link on autistic fatigue for more information: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue/autistic-adults
Counselling can help with things like: Coping strategies, developing assertive communication, learning about appropriate boundaries, learning self-advocacy skills, developing better self esteem, challenging cognitive distortions, relaxation techniques, developing self-awareness and self-acceptance, understanding difference, looking at self care and energy accounting (to ensure you set manageable limits on your energy levels so you do not deplete yourself to the point of burnout), understanding self and identity, and exploring relationship issues. My role is to work alongside you, with acceptance, care and understanding and help to encourage you to celebrate your strengths. A lot of my work often relates to relationships.