Neurodiversity Affirming Resources

When looking for neurodiversity affirming resources it is important to prioritise resources from people with lived experience rather than those studying neurodivergence from the outside. That is why many of the following resources are created by people combining their talents and interests with their experience of being neurodivergent and supporting neurodivergent loved ones. Other resources have been developed using recent understandings of neuroscience that supports neurodiversity affirming practice.

I do not support or recommend any resources that are influenced by Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy (ABA) or other behaviourism models. The primary goal for ABA therapy is to make an Autistic person appear to be neuronormative. It teaches autistic children to hide their pain and distress, and rewards autistic children for “fitting in” to neurotypical norms. The focused of ABA is on the function of behaviour and the compliance of the child, and not what the child is communicating with their behaviour. This leads to increased Autistic masking, which often results in poor mental health including PTSD, and even increased suicidality.

For more information regarding why many Autistic people are concerned about the impact of ABA, please read this article by Autistic Science Person https://autisticscienceperson.com/why-aba-therapy-is-harmful-to-autistic-people/ or watch this video ‘Why is it so bad for Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance?’ by PDA Dad UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LSfQBB6k8I