Neurodiversity-Affirmative Resources
Resources that make you feel seen
As neurodivergent people, we spend a lot of time feeling like we are too much or not enough – neurodiversity-affirmative resources can help us feel just right.
This section is a compilation of free resources about various topics related to neurodiversity. While we make every effort to ensure that the resources included are neurodiversity-affirmative, we are human and all humans can make mistakes! If you have concerns about a resource included, please get in touch to let us know.
Do you have a resource you think would fit? Let us know and we may add it!
Including information on the Social Model of Disability, what “neurodivergent” means, neurodiversity-affirmative language, and the Double Empathy Problem.
Ideas and links for finding community with like-minded Autistics.
Looking for a neurodivergent counsellor in BC? This searchable directory may help you find a good fit!
A wide variety of resources to learn more about Autism from Autistics.
A wide variety of resources on the unique intersections of being Autistic + ADHD.
A wide variety of resources about Pathological Demand Avoidance, a unique profile of Autism.
questions to ask when evaluating whether a resource is neurodiversity-affirmative
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative since the goal of ABA is to make a neurodivergent person appear more neurotypical.
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative, however a mix of person-first and identity-first language can be okay if the author recognizes that most Autistic people prefer identity-first.
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative since Autism and ADHD do not need to be cured or treated.
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative. Preferred terms focus on support needs – high/low support. Support needs fluctuate, so a person may not always be “high support” or “low support.”
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative. Autism Speaks is considered a hate group by the Autistic community since it funds anti-Autism endeavours that are focused on curing Autism.
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative. This article details why.
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative. Language matters and shows whether an individual has done the work to challenge their own internalized ableism. Pathologizing terms to watch out for include:
- high-functioning / low-functioning
- severely Autistic
- Autism “intervention” or “treatment”
- “symptoms” of Autism or ADHD
- Autism as a “puzzle” or an “epidemic”
- non-verbal
- special needs
- Aspergers or Aspie (many people still use this term as this is what they were diagnosed with, however it is no longer considered a diagnosis in current diagnostic manuals, and has been used by some who identify with the term to create a hierarchical structure within Autism to differentiate intelligence levels in Autistic people; Autism is Autism)
If yes, the resource is likely not neurodiversity-affirmative. Neurodivergent people are people.
If yes, the resource is likely neurodiversity-affirmative!
