Neurodiversity-affirming.
I develop relationships with clients that value individuality, accept differences and are sensitive to individual strengths, talents and interests. This approach does not diminish the difficulties faced by Autistic adults caused by environments and social attitudes to differences.
Equity and advocacy
I recognise the power imbalance in relationships with many professionals and the impact this can have on neurodivergent adults. I will support you to increase your ability to self advocate, and through carefully listening to your views, advocate on your behalf when needed.
Neuro-inclusivity
My work is informed by the understanding that inclusivity (and not just acceptance) is the key to neurodivergent well-being. I will continue to challenge physical environments, social relationships, social attitudes and sources of information that exclude and demean neurodivergent people and advocate for universal design that benefits all people in our stressful modern world.
Low demand
This approach can be helpful for a neurodivergent person who experiences high levels of stress and anxiety. This approach prioritizes the reduction of sensory triggers, stress and anxiety and is based on trust, flexibility, collaboration, and a balanced approach to demands.
Personalised
In every interaction and service, I prioritize personalised support that caters to the unique needs, strengths and preferences of each client we support. A personalised profile will be co-created with our clients, with the support of their family and friends if needed.
Human, legal and civil-rights based support
I base my work on the rights of neurodivergent people to access the same human, legal and civil rights that every other adult in the UK holds. I draw upon legislation including the Equality Act (2010), Disability Discrimination Act (1995), the Autism Act (2009), the Mental Capacity Act (2005), and the Care Act (2014) to advocate for your rights for reasonable adjustments, access to services and protection from abuse.
Trauma informed
Neurodivergent people are more likely to be exposed to abuse, victimisation and violence. My approach aims to recognise trauma in neurodivergent people, validate their experiences and feelings and make space and time to heal and recover.
Co-creation and co-production
My work is client led and I aim to support clients to achieve changes that they have identified as important to them, in a way that they feel comfortable with. In listening and communicating with clients, I aim to understand their priorities and support them to thrive and experience well-being.
Intersectionality
I understand how attitudes towards and support for neurodivergent people intersects with other aspects of their being such as gender, sexuality, gender identity, race or ethnicity. I am sensitive to the increased impact on well-being that intersectionality can have and will provide and refer to other sources of support if clients are in agreement.
SPACE framework
I use the SPACE approach which considers the 5 core autistic needs: Sensory needs, Predictability, Acceptance, Communication and Empathy.
Humility
Whilst I have experience of supporting neurodivergent people in the community and in my own family, the expression, 'If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”, remains true. The only person who knows how their neurodivergence looks and feels are you. I am open to learning and as I am also human, I also make mistakes from time to time. I always say 'sorry' when I get things wrong and will always try to learn from my mistakes.
I work in collaboration with clients, family, friends and other practitioners (with your consent).
I aim to work side-by-side with you, to achieve your goals together, building upon your interests and existing strengths to achieve well-being.
I will support you to know your rights and how to access your entitlements to benefits and support.
I will learn how to communicate with you, listening and observing your preferences for communication and language and learn through observation how changes in communication can indicate the need for time to recover and replenish emotional energy.
I understand the significance of sensory integration to the well-being of many neurodivergent people. I will learn from you about your sensory needs, what triggers overwhelm you and what promotes feelings of safety and calm.
I can intervene on behalf of clients in situations (with your consent) when there are barriers to support or when anxiety prevents self advocacy and self expression.
I aim to provide information in a way that neurodivergent people prefer and that supports their information processing differences.
I will prioritise your right to self determination, personal agency and autonomy in order to promote choice and validation.
I can complete paperwork and applications together with you to help obtain access to systems and services.
I can provide practical and emotional support to you to access services, groups, develop and maintain peer relationships and appointments.
There may be times when I need to challenge you in a way that does not shame or invalidate your personhood for example when you get caught up in unhelpful patterns of behaviour or thoughts, particularly when concerns for your safety increase.
Whilst I strive maintain confidentiality and privacy whenever possible, if I become aware that that you are at serious risk of hurting themselves or others, or committing an offence, I will discuss this with you prior to seeking support from other relevant professionals.
I do not use or promote the use of behavioural based approaches or strategies that seek to change neurodivergent behaviours in order to make clients fit in with society expectations such as Applied Behavioural Analysis, (ABA) and Positive Behavioural Support, (PBS).
I do not use deficit-based, medicalised language to describe neurodivergence.
I am not medically trained so am unable to administer medication or undertake nursing care.
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