What is Neurodivergent Health?
Neurodivergent health, or neurodivergent supportive healthcare, is the provision of medical care and services tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergence refers to the natural neurological variations that exist in the human population, including conditions such as autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental differences.
Supportive healthcare for neurodivergent people requires:
1. Understanding and Acceptance
Healthcare providers who support neurodivergent people must understand neurodevelopmental differences, including recognising that neurodivergent people might have different communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and ways of processing information.
2. Individualised Care
Healthcare delivery is customised to accommodate the unique needs of each neurodivergent individual. Adjusting communication styles, offering longer appointment times, providing clear and straightforward instructions, or using visual aids to enhance understanding.
3. Sensory Considerations
Consideration should be given to sensory sensitivities that neurodivergent people might experience, like sensitivity to lights, loud sounds, or certain textures, and the healthcare environment should be adjusted as needed to minimise sensory overload.
4. Communication Support
Using clear and direct communication, offering support for social or communication challenges, and recognising and accommodating behavioural differences as a part of communication.
5. Respect for Autonomy
Respecting the autonomy and decision-making abilities of neurodivergent people. Collaborating with people in their healthcare decisions and respecting their choices is key.
6. Collaboration and Education
Collaborating with neurodivergent people and their families to better understand their needs. Providing education and resources to help them navigate healthcare systems effectively is as important as empathy.
Neurodivergent supportive healthcare aims to create an inclusive and accommodating healthcare environment that respects and meets the diverse needs of neurodivergent people, enabling them to access healthcare without facing unnecessary barriers or prejudices due to their neurological differences.
If you found this blog post interesting and would like to know more, clinical psychologist Valli Moore has written a book called Embracing Neurodiversity with The Safe House Network. She is developing a framework for neurodivergent affirming practices that can be used by neurodivergent people, their families and friends, educators, health professionals and community supports. Check out her website.