Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
and who do I work with?
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The term 'Neurodiversity' is rooted in the social model of disability. It emerged within the early autistic activist community in the 1990's. It simply means a group of diverse individuals who interact and perceive the world in different ways. The whole population of Earth is neurodiverse in that there are neurotypical people and neurodivergent people- making it diverse, one singular person cannot be diverse however. Similar to the diversity we see in nature, biodiversity. The social model of disability in essence means the belief that disabled people don't need to be 'fixed' but our environments should be adapted as that's what disables us.
Disclaimer: While I embrace the concept of neurodiversity, I want to clarify that we do not align with the recent viewpoints expressed by Judy Singer who by some is considered its coiner. The term "neurodiversity" is a vital part of the community's identity, and i affirm my commitment to inclusion and the support of LGBTQIA+ people and rights.
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The term Neurodivergent was coined by Kassiane Asasumas. It refers to a social position in which people who are marginalised, pathologised oppressed and laballed as "ill" or "disordered" for functioning in a way that diverges from neuronormativity, an opressive system that believes there is a right or superior way to function. (Credit for the above definition: "the lived experience educator")
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My trading name "Navigate Neurodiversity OT" refers to navigating what neurodiversity is, understanding your own neurotype and exploring what it means to be neurodivergent.
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I work with anyone who feels they come under the umbrella of being neurodivergent. I wok with people who have been diagnosed or be self-diagnosed/identifying and or just identify as neurodivergent.
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Here is a non-exhaustive list of some neurotypes and areas people frequently come for support connected to:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Dyspraxia
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Dyslexia
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Anxiety
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Fatigue
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Worry
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Sensory needs
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Workplace challenges
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I have a particular interest in working with Autistic women and LGBTQIA+ people. I do not exclude any one neurotype form my support, however i will always assess if i am the right person to provide support to each client based on a number of factors, to ensure i am practicing ethically.
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I also recognise that many neurodivergent people may also have:
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ME/CFS (Chronic fatigue)
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Chronic/persistent pain
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Fibromyalgia
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Hypermobility / connective tissue
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Long-covid
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POTS
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Other mental and physical health conditions​
I am hypermobile with persistent pain myself!
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Therefore, I take a biopsychosocial and holistic approach that considers all aspects of your life.
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Do feel free to contact me to set up a free discovery call to discuss if our services would be suited to your needs. Alternatively, email me if you have any questions.
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