Neurodiversity Affirming Practices Focus On:
- Accepting and including all people as equals regardless of neurological differences
- Moving away from the ableist mindset that an individual with neurological differences requires fixing
- Skills that are meaningful to the individual rather than what society deems meaningful
- Reducing challenges and distress rather than symptoms
What is a Trauma-Informed Approach?
We recognize the need to consider the impact of an individual’s lived experiences in order to effectively support them. We do not need to be informed of an individual’s trauma to be sensitive to the impact of trauma.
“Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach” (2014) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
What is assent?
In order to understand assent, we must first know what “consent” is and who can consent!
| Consent | Assent | Assent-Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Legally able to consent (of legal age or custodial guardian) | Person may be able or unable to provide consent | Person may be able or unable to provide consent |
| May or may not be the person participating | Person participating in the services | Person participating in the services |
| Understands the content of what they are agreeing to | Displays vocal or non-vocal behavior that directly shows willingness to engage in the activity or task | Displays vocal or non-vocal behavior that directly shows they are NOT a willing participant |
| Formal agreement to participate prior to participation | Absence of duress or coercion | Assent can be withdrawn at any time |
