WHAT DOES NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING CARE MEAN?
WHAT DOES NEURODIVERSITY MEAN?
Noun: The diversity or variation of cognitive functioning in people. Everyone has a unique brain and therefore different skills, abilities, and needs.
WHAT DOES NEURODIVERGENCE AND NEURODIVERGENT MEAN?
Neurodivergence: Noun: Cognitive functioning which is not considered Neurotypical. For example, autistic, dyslexic, and dyspraxic people.
Neurodivergent: Adjective: Describes people who have a neurodivergence.
WHAT DOES NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING MEAN?
We recognize that any resulting disabilities from neurodivergence is rooted in societal barriers and not as individual deficits. We believe that neurodivergence should be celebrated and supported through a strengths based approach. When a neurodivergent individual experiences challenges, our counselling approach is not to force the individual to change, but to instead adapt their environment and learn specific skill sets in order to foster their own interpretation of success.
HOW DO OUR PRACTITIONERS PRACTICE NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING CARE?
Each of our independent contractors are trained in Ross Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Approach (CPS model) because "Kids do well when they can"- Ross Greene. We work with parents and youth to communicate, connect and collaboratively problem solve unmet expectations and address lagging skills. ​ Many of our practitioners also have specialized training certificates in areas of Neurodivergence such as Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity. Each practitioners has engaged in professional development in neurodiversity affirming (Neuroaffirming) practices while all practitioners are committed to continued Pro D in this area. In addition, many of our practitioners have lived experience with a neurodivergent diagnosis and/or have close family members who are ND. To learn more about each individual practitioners' education, background and how they incorporate neurodiversity affirming practices within their work you can review their profiles here and/or E-mail them your questions prior to booking an intake session. Many of our practitioners also offer 15 minute free consults where you can ask them how they personally incorporate neuroaffirming support within their practice. Each practitioners uses a strengths based, trauma-informed, person centered approach to help individuals and families find solutions that fit their unique needs in addition to other modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and when appropriately used in a neurodaffirming way, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as others.
Watch this short video to learn more about what Neurodiversity affirming practice looks like
Parental Engagement Policy
At The Neurodiversity Family Centre (NDFC), we require active parental engagement for clients aged 17 and under to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child or youth. This policy includes the following requirements:
1. Initial Intake Session:
• A dedicated session with at least one parent or caregiver before meeting the child/youth to gather background information and align goals.
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2. Ongoing Caregiver Involvement:
• Parents must discuss and agree on a follow-up plan with the practitioner.
• A minimum caregiver engagement frequency of once every three sessions is required.
• Frequency of caregiver support sessions will vary depending on the client’s age:
• Clients under 12: Require more frequent caregiver involvement.
• Clients aged 12-17: Require less frequent sessions, based on practitioner recommendations.
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3. Commitment to Improvement:
• Active caregiver participation is crucial for achieving progress and ensuring the child/youth benefits fully from the therapeutic process.
Why Caregiver Support Sessions Are Essential
• Insight into Progress: Practitioners gain valuable insights about the child’s behaviour and progress at home, school, and other environments.
• Strategy Development: Sessions provide opportunities to share strategies tailored to the child’s needs, ensuring alignment between therapy and home life.
• Follow-Up and Adaptation: Parents receive support in implementing strategies and practitioners can adapt approaches based on feedback from the parent.
• Holistic Support: Collaboration ensures the child/youth benefits from consistent, informed guidance in multiple areas of their life.
• Maximizing Outcomes: Evidence-based practices show that parental involvement significantly improves therapeutic outcomes for children and youth.
Parental engagement is not just an option—it is a cornerstone of effective support for young clients. Your involvement is vital to their growth and success. Thank you for partnering with us in this process!