7 Things I've Learned About Being Neuro-Affirming

Neuro-affirming simply refers to that which honors and respects all neurotypes. (That is, how each individual person's brain is wired). All minds work differently, and being neuro-affirming means seeing these differences as either strengths or simply natural variations in humanity, not something to be dismissed, negated, or changed for the sole purpose of conforming.

In an effort to be the best service provider I can, I follow many self-advocates on social media, including this platform. This newsletter issue is what I've learned in reading their content. I might be wrong in my interpretations, but I put them out there for the purpose of learning and doing better.

#1 - "Autistic" is an okay term that puts a person's identity first, but it's not always preferred

This has taken the most getting used to, because like many, I thought "autistic" was derogatory and used "person with autism" for a long time. Some self-advocates say they prefer "autistic person" because autism is so central to their identity. This preference varies person to person, but the takeaway is that it's okay to say "autistic" in this context.

#2 - Autism Speaks, puzzle piece icons, and the color blue are frowned upon

Without getting too political, many self-advocates strongly disagree with Autism Speaks' view of autism. Similarly, the puzzle piece icon is viewed by many as implying that autistic people are "incomplete" and "need to be solved." The color blue is closely tied to both Autism Speaks and the puzzle piece icon. Preferred colors I have seen are red and yellow, and the preferred iconography is the rainbow-colored infinity symbol.

#3 - ABA is usually frowned upon

The field of ABA has been making some great strides recently, and I myself have three years' experience in the field. Many self-advocates believe it's impossible for ABA to ever be neuro-affirming, because ABA goals so frequently involve performing socially acceptable behavior and suppressing that which is not socially acceptable. Again, this can get very political, and there are some self-advocates who are BCBAs themselves. But generally speaking, ABA is not viewed very well.

#4 - The terms "high and low functioning" are frowned upon

There was a time when Asperger's Syndrome was practically synonymous with "high functioning" autism. However, labeling a certain person "high" or "low" functioning is, at best, inaccurate. Strengths and challenges vary from person to person. Someone who receives a significant amount of support with academic skills may also, for example, be perfectly able to get dressed independently. The preferred terminology I have seen is "high or low support needs."

#5 - "Nonverbal" does not mean "nonspeaking," and usually, "nonspeaking" is preferred

Those outside of the clinical field tend to equate "nonverbal" with not having language or being able to understand it. Just because someone doesn't speak to communicate, that doesn't mean they don't understand words or have anything to say. "Nonspeaking" by definition is much more accurate here. I have also heard the terms non-oral, non-vocal, and minimally-speaking.

#6 - Nothing "looks like" or "acts like" autism

Yes, autism is diagnosed behaviorally. But phrases like "you don't act autistic" are extremely offensive. Some people stim and some people don't. Again, variation is natural and to be expected. There is no one action, feature, or anything else about a person that should be singled out as "proof" for or against autism.

#7 - You as the neurotypical person are NOT the authority

It's not up to you to decide whether something is helpful or offensive. I've touched on this in previous newsletter issues but it's worth repeating. Even if you have good intentions, the other person is the authority on what is or is not working for them. This goes for every environment and situation, including the workplace. Self-advocates are usually experts in how their brains work; listen to them.

Do you have suggestions for this list? Would you have said certain things differently? Let me know in the comments below.