Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

What are Neurodiveristy affirming practices?

Therapy that focuses on creating and fostering authentic connections and acknowledges individual differences. We strive to support children’s motor, sensory, and communication development through strengths based, child centered, and play focused manner. We want to understand and support  each child’s unique neurological profile, celebrate their differences, and tailor therapy to their individual strengths and needs. We believe this approach enhances the child’s quality of life and abilities while respecting their identity and promoting acceptance and inclusion.

  1. Meaning is personally defined- Each child is unique therefore therapy should be individualized to their own specific needs, interests, and joyful functional interactions

    1. What this may look like at Carolina Milestones: We love getting to know your child’s specific interests and make sure to incorporate those into our sessions. For example, if your child is passionate about cars our session might look like having races, drawing pictures of cars, building car tracks, talking about different features of cars.

  2. Connection over Compliance- 

    1. Our first and primary goal is always to build a connection with the child. It is so important within a therapeutic relationship, that the child feels seen, affirmed, and trusted by their therapist. By building a foundation of trust & support, the child can feel safer to engage and explore new opportunities - knowing they have the support of their therapist. 

  3. Respecting bodily autonomy- We practice complete respect for a child’s bodily autonomy by not participating in physical manipulation during therapy sessions without the child’s consent.

    1. What this may look like at Carolina Milestones: When working on a motor plan or new skill we will always ask for consent. You might see us utilize “hand under hand” instead of “hand over hand” or offer your child choices such as “would you like to cut the play doh by yourself or would you like some help?”

  4. We presume competence- We view all children as having the capacity to grow, learn, and participate in activities rather than assuming a child is unable to understand or participate in certain tasks. We are here to provide children with the support and accommodations to succeed!