Working with families in neuro-affirming ways

Neurodivergent-affirming practice centres on the belief that ‘concerning’ or ‘problematic’ behaviours are a child’s way of trying to express and satisfy unmet needs. It shifts the focus from changing the child’s behaviour to understanding and solving the problems underlying it. Supporting a child’s self-regulation, advocating for their needs and fostering acceptance of their neurodivergent identity are often key steps in addressing their presenting concerns. 

In our previous episode, we looked at how a neurodivergent-affirming approach benefits the mental health of autistic and ADHDer children. This episode builds on these understandings by exploring ways you can apply a neuro-affirming lens to your work with children and their families.  

Host Jacquie Lee is once again joined by psychologists Jason Tran (Willow Tree Psychology and Wellbeing) and Esther Fidock (The Neuro Nurture Collective); speech therapist Kate Mulheron (Perspectives Speech Therapy); Tammie Sinclair and Jasmine Deakin (Sunny Spectrum); and Bec and Jaisen, two of Emerging Minds’ family partners and parents of autistic and ADHDer children. They explore ways to build children’s self-regulation and advocacy skills, promote acceptance of their neurodivergent identity, and uncover the ‘why’ behind their behaviour. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• how to validate a child’s needs without being permissive of their behaviour [04:39] 

• how to build children’s self-regulation skills [15:13] 

• your role in advocating for children’s and families’ needs [19:40]  

• how to support a family that is struggling to accept their child’s diagnosis [24:21]
   

Further information and resources:  

Podcast episodes 

A neurodivergent-affirming approach to children’s mental health – Emerging Minds 

How you can support your neurodivergent child – Emerging Minds Families 

The team around the child: A mum’s story of her son’s neurodiversity – Emerging Minds 

Autism, neurodiversity and child-centred practice – Part one – Emerging Minds 

Autism, neurodiversity and child-centred practice – Part two – Emerging Minds 

Other resources 

The Diversity Wheel and Planning Tool – Positive Partnerships 

How to build a sensory self-soothing kit – Neurodivergent Insights  

Let’s talk self-advocacy for neurodivergent kids – NeuroWild  

Reframing Autism