Neurodiversity is a concept and social movement that recognizes neurological differences as natural human variations rather than “disorders” that need to be cured. Under the neurodiversity paradigm, conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s, and others are viewed as part of the broad spectrum of human brain diversity, each with unique strengths and challenges. This perspective encourages acceptance and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing that support should be tailored to help them thrive without trying to force them to adopt neurotypical behaviors.
Embracing neurodiversity leads SLPs to use strengths-based, person-centered practices – for example, respecting an autistic client’s communication style and sensory needs – and to focus on functional communication goals (helping the client express themselves and be understood) rather than eliminating behaviors that are harmless but atypical.
Gaddy, Caroline, and Hillary Crow. “A Primer on Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech and Language Services for Autistic Individuals.” Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups 8, no. 6 (2023). Link
Baron-Cohen, Simon. “Editorial: Neurodiversity – A Revolutionary Concept for Autism and Psychiatry.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 58, no. 6 (2017). Link
