This session is developed by, and presenters invited by, Autism. Neurodiversity is a simple scientific fact, and yet the implications of this concept are both profound and radical. In this talk I will define neurodiversity and three core tenets of the neurodiversity paradigm. In the middle section of the talk I will review two strands of research in our lab looking at autistic communication. In the final part of the talk, I will then work through the implications of neurodiversity, and our research findings, for practice. I will ask: what would neurodiversity-affirmative services look like? And how can we create them?
Learning Objectives:
Define confidently define neurodiversity and understand the three tenets of the neurodiversity paradigm
Describe describe how autistic communication and social interaction is context dependent
Apply apply a neurodiversity-informed approach in research and practice