Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Supporting Your Child’s Unique Strengths
At Pure Hearts Therapy, we believe every child deserves to thrive as their authentic self. That’s why we follow a neurodiversity-affirming approach—an approach that values neurological differences like autism and ADHD as natural variations of the human brain, rather than problems to be fixed.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how brains work—whether it’s autism, ADHD, or other neurological variations—are simply part of human diversity. A neurodiversity-affirming therapy doesn’t aim to “normalize” a child or erase their unique traits. Instead, it helps them flourish while respecting who they truly are.
Behaviors that might sometimes be labeled “odd” or “problematic,” like flapping, humming, or stimming, are seen not as defects but as meaningful ways a child communicates and self-regulates.
How This Differs From Traditional Approaches
Older therapy models often focused on compliance—encouraging children to sit still, make eye contact, or suppress natural behaviors. While well-intentioned, these approaches could inadvertently teach children that their natural ways of coping or expressing themselves were wrong.
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy works with a child’s neurotype. For example:
If eye contact feels uncomfortable, the therapist can use parallel play or engage through a favorite toy instead.
Stimming, jumping, or spinning isn’t forbidden; instead, therapists may incorporate these behaviors into sessions to keep the child regulated and engaged.
This approach helps children feel safe, seen, and respected.
Strengths-Focused Therapy
Instead of emphasizing what a child “can’t” do, neurodiversity-affirming therapy focuses on what they can do—and what they love.
For example:
A child with a passion for dinosaurs might practice handwriting by labeling dinosaur drawings.
A child who loves music could work on speech or social skills through song and rhythm.
By building on strengths and interests, therapy becomes more engaging and boosts the child’s self-esteem—they feel competent, valued, and capable, rather than constantly corrected.
Respecting Sensory & Communication Needs
Neurodiversity-affirming practice honors how each child senses and communicates:
If a child uses a communication device or sign language, the therapist learns and uses it.
If a child needs movement to stay regulated, therapy can include movement breaks—or even trampoline-based exercises!
These adaptations show children that their needs are valid, and that their unique ways of experiencing the world are respected.
How Parents Can Extend Neurodiversity Affirmation at Home
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing this philosophy:
Use positive language, like “autistic child” or “child with autism,” in a proud, matter-of-fact tone.
Learn from autistic adults, many of whom share insights online about what helped or hurt them growing up.
Advocate for your child at school, requesting sensory accommodations or supports instead of expecting them to “tough it out.”
By modeling acceptance and support, parents help children feel confident and understood.
Long-Term Benefits
When therapy affirms a child’s neurodivergent identity:
Children become more confident and willing to take on challenges.
They learn skills because they feel safe, not forced.
They experience community acceptance, and others learn to adapt and include them rather than expecting them to “act neurotypical.”
At Pure Hearts Therapy, we pride ourselves on a modern, compassionate approach—helping each child shine just as they are.
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