Let’s Talk: Neurodiversity!
Each person’s brain is unique and works in different ways. Neurodiversity is the term we can use to describe these differences. Because of the unique makeup of each person’s brain, everybody learns, communicates, and even processes the environment in different ways.
When a person’s brain functions in a way that society or culture deems to be ‘typical’ for their age and level of development, they are considered to have ‘neurotypical’brain function.
On the other hand, when a person’s brain operates differently from what is considered average or ‘neurotypical’, they are considered to have ‘neurodivergent’ brain function.
What can cause neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence can take many forms, and each individual’s experience is unique. For instance, developmental disorders can affect early brain development and cause neurological differences in learning, attention, communication, and sensory processing. While mental health conditions can cause neurological differences that affect mood, thought processes, and behaviour. Still, not all forms of neurodivergence are diagnosable! Meaning that many people who may present as ‘neurotypical’ do in fact experience some sort of neurodivergence.
So, how does all of this relate to speech therapy?
Neurodivergence can sometimes affect a child’s communication skills and cause difficulties with speech, language, and social communication.
Perhaps your child’s development is not following a ‘typical’ developmental path and he or she seems to have difficulty with speech, language, and communication. You may be wondering where to start.
Firstly, remember that no one type of brain function is ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’! Many challenges experienced by children who are neurodivergent can be overcome by providing the necessary support, accommodations, and letting go of ‘neurotypical’ standards. By providing a supportive environment and collaborating with the right professionals, you can help your child thrive and reach their full potential.
Here’s how you can begin empowering your child to communicate with confidence and success …
1. Collaborate with a Speech Therapist:
If your child is struggling with communication, the best place to begin is getting in touch with a speech therapist. A speech therapist will be able to provide a customised intervention plan to address the specific challenges your child experiences with speech, language, and social communication.
1. Create a safe and supportive environment:
A safe and supportive environment can work wonders! Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves, even if they struggle to get a message across or their communication style is different from the “norm”. Listen intently, be actively engaged in the conversation, and focus on what your child is trying to say – not just how they say it.
3. Celebrate strengths:
Instead of focusing solely on what your child struggles with, identify and celebrate your child’s unique strengths. By shifting the focus to what your child excels at, you can build their confidence and sense of self-worth.
To enquire about our Speech Therapy Services contact us:
Phone/whatsapp: 0739418053
Email: megan.auby@hotmail.co.za
Pearl Donzwa
References:
Brown, H. M., Stahmer, A. C., Dwyer, P., & Rivera, S. (2021). Changing the story: How diagnosticians can support a neurodiversity perspective from the start. Autism, 25(5), 1171-1174.
Den Houting, J. (2019). Neurodiversity: An insider’s perspective. Autism, 23(2), 271-273.
Rentenbach, B., Prislovsky, L., & Gabriel, R. (2017). Valuing differences: Neurodiversity in the classroom. Phi Delta Kappan, 98(8), 59-63.
