Neurodivergence-informed therapy.

Researchers propose a new therapy approach based on the neurodiversity movement, which views autism and other neurological differences as natural variations rather than disorders to fix. This approach focuses on changing how society responds to differences, building acceptance and pride in being neurodivergent, and helping therapists better understand and respect different ways of experiencing the world.

This theoretical review proposes a neurodivergence-informed therapy approach based on neurodiversity movement principles. The authors synthesize three key themes for clinical practice with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals: (1) reconceptualizing dysfunction as relational rather than individual, (2) emphasizing neurodivergence acceptance and pride through disability community connection, and (3) requiring therapists to develop relational epistemic humility about different neurodivergent experiences. The framework positions neurodiversity as part of biodiversity, advocating for ecological approaches that create supportive niches rather than attempting to eliminate neurological differences through treatment or cure.

Suggests therapists should shift from deficit-focused to strength-based approaches, emphasize environmental modifications over individual change, foster neurodivergent identity acceptance, and develop humility about different neurological experiences. However, clinical effectiveness remains untested and requires empirical validation.

This is a theoretical review without empirical data or clinical trials. No sample size reported. The framework has not been formally tested or validated in clinical settings. Authors acknowledge neurodiversity theory has not been formally adapted for psychotherapeutic frameworks previously.

The neurodiversity movement is a social movement that emerged among autistic self-advocates. It has since spread and has been joined by many with diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder among others. By reconceptualizing neurodiversity as part of biodiversity, neurodiversity proponents emphasize the need to develop an 'ecological' society that supports the conservation of neurological minorities through the construction of ecological niches-that is, making space for all. This is an alternative to the drive to eliminate diversity through attempts to 'treat' or 'cure' neurodivergence.

So far, neurodiversity theory has not been formally adapted for psychotherapeutic frameworks, and it is not the role of the therapist to make systemic changes to societal organization. Still, there is room for fruitfully drawing on a neurodiversity perspective for therapists working with neurodivergent people in clinical settings. Here, we draw on the example of autism and synthesize three key themes to propose the concept of neurodivergence-informed therapy. First, the reconceptualization of dysfunction as relational rather than individual.

Second, the importance of neurodivergence acceptance and pride, and disability community and culture to emancipate neurodivergent people from neuro-normativity. Third, the need for therapists to cultivate a relational epistemic humility regarding different experiences of neurodivergence and disablement.