Celebrate World Autism Month with These 10 Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
By Christine Hinkle, M.A. CCC-SLP
April is World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-designated Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Originally established in 1970 as Autism Awareness Month, this observance has evolved beyond awareness into a movement centered on respect, understanding, and inclusion. Reflecting this shift, the Autism Society officially renamed it Autism Acceptance Month in 2021.
At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we are committed to supporting autistic individuals through neurodiversity-affirming practices. This World Autism Month, we’re sharing how we do that—so you can apply these approaches in your own community, too.
Here’s what we’ll explore:
● What is Neurodiversity?
● Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical: Understanding the Terms
● Traditional Approaches to Autism Support
● Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Autism
● Why These Practices Matter
What is Neurodiversity?
Before we can understand neurodiversity-affirming practices, we need to know what neurodiversity is.
Neurodiversity is a term that describes differences in how people think, learn, and interact with the world around them. This concept acknowledges that there is natural variation in human brain function–meaning, not all brains work in the same way.
Some examples of neurodivergence may include:
● Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
● Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
● Dyslexia
● Tourette’s syndrome
While these differences were traditionally considered “deficits”, neurodiversity recognizes the value of unique perspectives and abilities.
Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical: Understanding the Terms
These terms are frequently used when talking about neurodiversity–but what do they mean? Let’s break it down:
Neurotypical is used to describe people who think, learn, and interact in a “typical” way. Their thoughts and behavior are considered to be consistent with traditional, societal norms.
In contrast, neurodivergent describes individuals who think, learn, and interact in a way that is different from traditional, societal norms.
Here’s an example:
● Neurotypical Person: Watches new movies on Netflix every weekend
● Neurodivergent Person: Watches the same 3 movies on repeat because it brings them joy and makes them feel safe
Of course, this is a generalization–what’s important to note in this example is that one behavior is “typical” within our society, while the other is different from the norm. Is either one better or worse than the other? Nope! Just different, and that’s okay.
Traditional Practices For Autism
To better support autistic individuals, we first need to understand how traditional approaches have fallen short—and, in many cases, caused harm.
Historically, autism has been viewed through a deficit-based lens, often treated as something to “fix” or cure. This perspective has led to practices that push autistic individuals to mask—to hide or suppress their natural behaviors and communication styles in order to appear more “typical.”
Some examples of traditional support practices include:
● Prioritizing compliance over autonomy
● Encouraging individuals to act or appear “neurotypical”
● Measuring progress solely against typical developmental milestones
● Focusing on what’s expected instead of what’s meaningful to the individual
● Favoring verbal speech over other valid forms of communication
● Interpreting differences in behavior or thinking as deficits rather than diversity
These approaches often overlook the unique strengths and needs of autistic individuals—and can lead to stress, burnout, and a loss of identity.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices For Autism
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from outdated models of care. With guidance from the autistic community, more inclusive and respectful approaches have emerged—ones that honor individual strengths, preferences, and autonomy.
Here are 10 neurodiversity-affirming practices we use at Columbia Pediatric Therapy:
1. Focus on strengths instead of trying to “fix” perceived deficits
2. Presume competence—assume the individual understands and is capable, then tailor support based on real needs
3. Honor all forms of communication—whether it’s speech, AAC, writing, or a mix
4. Support sensory regulation rather than trying to eliminate sensory behaviors
5. Make goals functional and meaningful to the individual’s life—not just developmentally “typical”
6. Respect individual preferences in how they connect, communicate, and engage with the world
7. Promote self-advocacy by helping individuals understand and express their needs
8. Collaborate holistically with families, professionals, and—most importantly—the individual
9. Listen to the autistic community, especially those with lived experience
10. Celebrate neurodivergence as a natural and valuable part of human diversity
These practices help create a more affirming, inclusive environment where autistic individuals can thrive—on their own terms.
Why These Practices Matter
Traditional support methods often attempt to “fix” neurodivergent people rather than recognizing and embracing their strengths. Neurodiversity-affirming practices shift the focus toward acceptance, autonomy, and genuine inclusion—helping individuals thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.
By embracing these practices, we create a world where autistic individuals are not just accommodated but truly valued for who they are.
Closing Thoughts
World Autism Month is an opportunity to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action. When we adopt neurodiversity-affirming approaches, we help shape a society that celebrates differences rather than trying to erase them.
At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we are committed to these principles—not just in April, but every day. We encourage you to reflect on how you can integrate neurodiversity-affirming practices into your own life, whether in your work, your community, or your personal relationships.
Small changes lead to a big impact. How will you support neurodiversity this World Autism Month?
