AuSM is a Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinic

In recent years, autistic adults have shared how important it is for them to receive care from neurodiversity-affirming providers. Neurodiversity refers to the fact that human beings have a wide variety of minds, sensory systems, and ways of processing the world. To be a neurodiversity-affirming provider means not simply accepting the fact of neurodiversity, but embracing it. Neurodiversity-affirming providers do not try to change the way their clients’ brains work. Instead, they focus on supporting a person as they are, provide support to exist in a neurotypical-dominated world, and focus on helping clients find fulfilling and effective strategies for their own lives.

In 2023, AuSM proudly added a statement to our therapy materials sharing that we are a neurodiversity-affirming clinic. While we have taken this approach to therapy for many years, we felt that it was important to openly and clearly state this value, both for our current clients and for potential future clients. Sharing our values makes it easier for people seeking neurodiversity-affirming care to find us, a process that can be challenging and stressful, as well as full of guesswork. This statement also makes our values public, putting the full weight of AuSM’s history and reputation behind the affirmation that our neurodivergent clients are worthy of respect and care as they are. Finally, we feel that positioning ourselves as a neurodiversity-affirming clinic makes it clear that we welcome the input of autistics themselves about their own needs, desires, and care.

Here is the final statement we shared:

AUSM IS A NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CLINIC.

Neurodiversity refers to the fact that human beings have a wide variety of minds, sensory systems, and ways of processing the world. AuSM embraces this diversity: we won’t try to change your mind to fit a particular mold. We’ll work with your needs and your unique mind to create personalized goals and supports that are right for you. You are not broken.

We acknowledge that there are challenges and difficulties created both by the world we live in and by lack of accessibility. Autism is a disability, and we know that it isn’t easy to be autistic. Our goal is to support the navigation of the world with these differences in mind and to acknowledge that everyone is worthy and brings value to the world.