World autism day is celebrated on April 2nd

Neurodiversity might be the next step of diversity. The term neurodiversity was first established in the online autism community in the 1990’s. It describes the idea that throughout human population different brain developments and structures exist. Neuronal variances such as autism should not be seen as disorders, but as variations different from the neurotypical brain. Instead of being considered ill and cure-worthy, neurodiverse people should be included and integrated into society

The term ‘neurodiversity’ describes the idea that, throughout the human population, different brain developments and structures exist. Neuronal variances, such as autism, are not seen as disorders but as variations, different from the neurotypical brain. Instead of being considered ill and cure-worthy, neurodiverse people should be included and integrated into society.

The aim of this study was to explore psychotherapists’ knowledge of current trends in the understanding of autistic people i.e. the Neurodiversity movement. It wanted to identify the sources psychotherapists gained their knowledge of autism and whether terminology impacts on psychotherapists’ approach to therapy. Data was collected using a mixed method online questionnaire and analysed using thematic analysis.

The results showed that participants were acutely aware of the potential negative impact of language and terminology on ‘the other’, including shame and judgement. Participants explored the purpose and usefulness of labelling and how using client-preferred terminology was helpful. Most participants felt that further knowledge and training in neurodiversity would benefit their practice. Implications for psychotherapy practice and the profession are discussed, including identifying sources of knowledge and training on neurodiversity. The opportunities, and barriers, needed for psychotherapists to support the autistic community in positive self-understanding and advocating are considered.

The Neurodiversity movement seeks to provide a culture wherein autistic people feel pride in a minority-group identity and provide mutual support in self-advocacy as a community (Jaarsma and Welin 2011). The concept of neurodiversity regards atypical neurological development as normal human difference. The neurodiversity assertion contains at least two different aspects. The first is that autism, among other neurological conditions, is first and foremost a natural variation. The second is about conferring rights and value to the neurodiversity condition, demanding recognition, and acceptance.

Walker’s (2014) web-article, on the benefits of building a neurodiversity-positive society, is inspiring and captures the value of inclusion:

Neurodiversity is an invaluable creative resource, a problem-solving resource. The greater the diversity of the pool of available minds, the greater the diversity of perspectives, talents, and ways of thinking—and thus, the greater the probability of generating an original insight, solution, or creative contribution. And in any given sphere of society, we only get the benefit of the contributions of those individuals who are empowered to participate … without being forced to suppress their differences.

The findings from the study reveal that, aligned to wider society, there are opportunities for psychotherapists to enhance their knowledge of current trends in the autistic community, to promote individual self-acceptance with their autistic clients, and to advocate for autistics as a minority group. This may help combat the mental health difficulties that brought autistic clients to therapy. Further knowledge and training on autism would benefit psychotherapists’ practice, and a clear source should be established. Accredited psychotherapy organisations could provide such training in the form of online CPD courses. Given the implications of language and terminology, a glossary of terms could be developed to guide psychotherapists at all levels of experience.

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