Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy

What is neurodiverse affirming therapy?

Neurodiverse affirming therapy accepts and celebrates an individual's unique neurotype such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing or learning differences. Therapy is holistic, strength-based, trauma informed, and client-centered.

When does a child need neurodiverse affirming therapy?

It can be difficult for individuals who are neurodivergent to manage in their day to day tasks. Therapy can be beneficial to individuals who want to better understand how their brain and body works and how to get through their day without masking, burnout, or changing who they are.

How do OTs support neurodiversity?

Sessions will meet clients where they are at with a focus on building rapport and offering safe, affirming care. Therapy may look like:

  • Play based sessions where the therapist follows the child’s lead

  • Exploring sensory based strategies and tools to manage sensory overwhelm and dysregulation based on child’s interests 

  • Developing self advocacy and communication skills 

  • Psycho-education with the parent or child/teen to better understand their unique neurotype 

Additional Resources