Supporting Coaching is creating effective communication, affirming environment for neurodiverse clients.
What is neurodivergence and what is it not? How can we be neurodiversity-affirming coaches without deep knowledge or experience of all neurotypes? What are the intersections of neurodiversity, mental health, and LGBTQIA+? How can we shift our understanding and language away from pathology, stigma, and stereotyping to best meet the needs of our clients?
Unfortunately, most of the information online regarding neurodiversity and neurodivergence is outdated, inaccurate, and not inclusive. From a lack of research on the intersections of gender, race, and culture to the misleading statistics on the prevalence of neurodivergence, the current narrative about neurodiversity is narrow and non-expansive. Neurodiversity includes ALL minds and neurodivergence is about FAR more than ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Neurodivergence includes trauma and all mental health experiences in the DSM. The neurodiversity movement and paradigm is shifting the narrative away from pathologizing terms such as "disorder", "deficient", "symptoms", "conditions", and "treatment" and towards more strength-based and affirming language. The keys to neuroinclusive coaching include accessibility, clear communication, transparency, respect, accountability, inclusive language and design, and, most importantly, AGENCY. We must honor how client's define and describe their lived experience and identities. Neuroinclusive coaching is trauma-informed, disability-informed, and always LGBTQIA+-affirming.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the current and most inclusive language of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and disability
- Understand the scope of neurodivergence and how to affirm intersecting neurodivergent identities
- Learn how to create neuroinclusive marketing materials, sessions, and groups
- Identify common communication and conflict patterns for neurodiverse couples
- Explore the scope of practice for neurotypical and non-disabled coaches and resources to share