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Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges and respects the natural variations in human brain functioning. Coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, neurodiversity recognises that neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others are simply variations of the human genome, rather than disorders or deficits that need to be treated and cured. This concept has socio-political implications, advocating for the inclusion and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals in society.
Neurotypical (NT): Refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning align with the dominant societal standards of “normal.”
Neurodivergent (ND): Describes neurodivergent people whose brain functioning deviates from these societal norms, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and others.
A neurodiversity-affirming approach acknowledges and supports the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, moving away from traditional deficits-based models that focus on “fixing” impairments associated with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Individualised Support: Tailoring support to meet the specific needs and preferences of each individual (as opposed to societal norms dictating how someone should change or be). For example, building upon interpersonal skills in a way that respects individual neurotypes.
Strength-Based Focus: Highlighting and promoting the strengths and abilities of neurodivergent individuals rather than focusing solely on their challenges.
Understanding Neurodivergent Communication Styles: Recognising, respecting and allowing for different ways neurodivergent individuals communicate, including non-verbal communication.
Sensory Accommodations: Adapting environments to meet individual sensory needs, such as providing quiet spaces or adjustable lighting.
Encouraging Self-Advocacy: Helping neurodivergent individuals develop the skills to advocate for their own needs and accommodations.
Compliance based therapeutic approaches (ie, ABA) have often encouraged masking neurodivergent traits, such as reducing stimming behaviours, forcing eye contact, etc. Emerging evidence suggests that these practices can lead to negative outcomes, including shame, anxiety, depression, and reduced self-worth. A neurodiversity-affirming approach rejects these practices and focuses on supporting the authentic expression of neurodivergent identities.
Therapists adopting a neurodiversity-affirming approach:
Use Strength-Based Interventions: Focus on leveraging the client’s strengths to address challenges.
Respect Autonomy: Collaborate with clients to set goals that align with their personal values and preferences.
Avoid Pathologising Language: Use language that respects the client’s identity and avoids framing neurodivergent traits as deficits (where possible, unfortunately some reports and funding applications do require a deficit-based approach).
Cova Psychology is a neurodiversity-affirming practice and aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals to engage in therapy. Our practice aspires to both help individuals identify neurodivergence, as well as support them to target the unmet needs and whatever problematic challenges they experience.
Our goal is to provide a neurodiversity-affirming approach at our clinic in the ways outlined above. Through our policies, our spaces, our language/imagery, and our therapeutic interventions, we hope neurodiverse folk are able to feel safe and supported at Cova.
We do acknowledge that at times there might be a juxtaposition between this neurodiversity-affirming approach and what is expected/requested from us as a psychology practice. For example, when Autism is diagnosed in a health setting, its official term (in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, DMS-IV) is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We will typically instead use the word Autism (as ASD implies deficit and illness, as opposed to difference and diversity). But we will still use the Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD (and the associated severity levels which refer to the level of support an Autistic individual requires) in some reports and on funding documentation. We understand this might feel contradictory and hope that our clients will be able to discuss with us (either with their psychologist or with other staff) when language or attitudes might feel negative or pathologising.
If you’d like to explore booking in with our neurodiverse affirming psychologists, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly reception team to book an appointment. Our practice is located in the Melbourne CBD, and we are also able to offer to support anyone in Australia via telehealth.
Below are some resources that might be useful if you are wanting to read more about a neurodiversity affirming approach:
Professional development is essential for maintaining the quality of care, ensuring practitioners stay updated on best practices and interventions tailored to their clients’ needs.
Our experienced team of neurodiversity affirming Melbourne psychologists are keen to support you today. Get in touch with our friendly reception team to book an appointment. Contact us by:
We are available for both face to face and telehealth sessions.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Don't let your struggles hold you back. Call us.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist
Acknowledgement of Country
Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
We Welcome all People
We Work With
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
