“Social work is a tertiary-qualified profession recognised nationally and internationally that supports individuals, families, groups and communities to improve their wellbeing. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity are central to the profession and are underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and Indigenous knowledge.” (AASW 2023).

Social Workers are allied health professionals who aim to enhance the quality of life of every member of society and empower them to develop their full potential. Social workers adopt a person-in-environment approach that includes a focus on the structural and cultural factors that may negatively impact on an individual’s abilities to engage with the social world. Social workers believe that all people, regardless of difference, have the right to be included in society and to have outcomes equal to other citizens.

Neurodiversity affirming practice seeks to collaborate with individuals to understand their unique differences and the impact their environment has on these. It aims to recognise all perceptions as valid, and support individuals and their carers to completely accept the varied aspects of being neurodivergent, both the advantages and disadvantages. Once these differences are understood and accepted skills, tools, and strategies can be developed to improve wellbeing. Recognising and accepting that people have different ways of thinking, feeling, processing information, and communicating will have positive effects across various aspects of life such as wellbeing, learning and engagement.

Neurodiversity affirming social work therapy works collaboratively with you to build capacity in the areas that are important to you. Therapeutic interventions offered include:

• Developing knowledge about the complexity of diagnosis and the changing impact across the lifespan
• Developing knowledge regarding the impact of external factors and build skills to navigate these
• Building neurodiversity affirming skills regarding self-advocacy, conflict management, self-regulation and more
• Educating parents and carers to build their own skills and confidence to support their child’s unique needs
• Supporting families to develop skills to manage competing sensory needs

Social Workers often support people through particularly difficult times in their life, when situations overcome your existing strategies. Some events where you may find a neurodiversity affirming social worker particularly helpful include:

• When a diagnosis is received
• Preparing for transitions (such as starting school or moving out of home)
• Sudden change in capacity or behaviour (such as finding it difficult to attend school)
• Changes in family dynamics or identification of neurodivergence in other family members
• Increasing overwhelm for carers