Neurodivergent Affirming Resources
This is a dynamic world.
Do you have a neurodivergent friend or family member & you are interested in learning more about how to best support them and interact with them? This blog post is for you.
Neurodivergent is a great term that is becoming highly preferred by this community. Neurodivergent is a term that can be applied to anyone whose brain is not neurotypical-they might have adhd, an intellectual disability, a learning disability, or be autistic. Fun fact-none of these are a “disease”, they are actually all different neurotypes! Using “neurodivergent” acknowledges the diversity of different brain types without implying that any type is “less than” or “lacking”. The autistic community generally prefers to be referred to directly as “autistic” or “neurodivergent” instead of using person-first language, such as “a person with autism”. Many neurodivergent people are also perfectly comfortable with using disability-centered language within the context of unlocking critical services and pursuing inclusive policy. This likely goes without saying, but it is NEVER all right to use the word “retarded”. If you hear others using this, please step in and let them know you are not comfortable with that term & don’t like it. This term has created a vast amount of harm for neurodivergent individuals and communities for decades, and whether it is used as a joke or in a serious context, it is not ok.
Neurodivergent people are all highly unique individuals and each person has different accommodations or supports that work best for them! Finding out what these are and ensuring access to them in different environments is an amazing way to advocate and support a neurodivergent person in your life. It’s pretty common that neurodivergent individuals have very specific sensory needs, preferred foods, special interests, and different levels of tolerance for environmental elements, such as social demands, loud noises, temperature, etc. Being flexible, accommodating, patient, and kind is a great place to start when interacting with neurodivergent folks in your life and/or community.
If you’re interested in some fun, affirming resources, please check out the following websites. They were developed by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people!
