A Discussion on How Shifting the Paradigm of Understanding Surrounding Neurodiversity Will Influence Therapeutic Practices and Benefit Neurodivergent Individuals
A Discussion on How Shifting the Paradigm of Understanding Surrounding Neurodiversity Will Influence Therapeutic Practices and Benefit Neurodivergent Individuals
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Issue Date
2025-05-31
Authors
Morton, Brianna
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Abstract
This capstone explores how shifting the paradigm of understanding surrounding neurodiversity will influence therapeutic practices and benefit neurodivergent (ND) individuals. The purpose of this capstone is to create systemic change in the way healthcare professionals view and treat ND individuals. Integrating a neuro-affirming lens in therapeutic practices will facilitate a framework through which healthcare practitioners can create inclusive environments that recognize strengths and accept differences. Rather than reinforcing harmful narratives through pathologization, mental health professionals can apply this neuro-affirming framework which will promote improved understanding and empathy, enable the creation of tailored treatments and supports, and empower ND individuals. Scholarly research revealed several therapeutic modalities that, through the application of the neuro-affirming framework, could be adapted to support ND individuals, including applied behaviour analysis (ABA), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy (SFT), motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and family therapy. Through the application of the neuro-affirming framework, mental health workers can tailor supports and empower ND individuals rather than reinforcing harmful narratives through pathologization. When applied with a neuro-affirming lens, techniques like psychoeducation, mindfulness and somatic approaches, and interest- and strength-based approaches have been used successfully with ND individuals. This capstone has demonstrated the effectiveness of the application of the neuro-affirming lens in creating individual and systemic improvements to mental health treatments and outcomes for ND individuals.
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Keywords
neuro-affirming , neurodivergent , understanding , acceptance , therapeutic paradigm shift
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess