Speech therapy is a key intervention for children that helps them to communicate with those around them and express their needs and frustrations.1 Since children who are neurodivergent often struggle with communication, speech therapy can help support their self-expression.2
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy is a practice that emphasizes the strengths of neurodivergent individuals and tailors the treatment plan to the client’s needs and preferences.3 As a result of this acceptance and flexibility, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who use neurodiversity-affirming practices can see improvements in their clients.4
What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy?
Neurodiversity refers to the differences in how each brain develops, processes information and responds to various forms of input.5 It is most often used when discussing autism, though it refers to the range of processing amongst all brains.
While the basic goals of speech therapy remain the same, the approach can vary with neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy.4 Specifically, with neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, the therapist recognizes that neurodiversity is not a flaw that needs to be corrected; instead, therapy focuses on a strengths-based approach that celebrates what makes neurodiverse individuals unique. It has the ultimate objective of improving the individual’s quality of life.3, 5
Furthermore, the approach that the therapist takes is dependent on the patient and their needs, which can vary dramatically from those of neurotypical individuals. Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy celebrates what makes neurodiverse individuals unique. The therapist also acknowledges that neurodivergent individuals may need additional support in certain situations.3 In this way, the therapist doesn’t ignore neurodiverse traits or focus on treating them; instead, they take note of the individual’s unique characteristics and incorporate their needs and strengths into the treatment plan.
These ideas come together to form the following key principles of neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy:4
- Documenting based on the patient’s strengths
- Developing functional and individualized treatment goals
- Respecting differences
- Creating a treatment plan based on the needs of the client and their family
- Exploring different communication modalities to find one that the patient prefers
- Being flexible in therapeutic approaches and responding to the client’s needs and interests
Core Practices in Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy incorporates the foundation of speech therapy with a unique twist that matches each patient’s strengths, preferences and needs.4 The following are some of the core neurodiverse-affirming practices that therapists should keep in mind:
1. Modify Therapy Goals
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy goals can vary from the goals of standard speech therapy. This is because the patient’s needs can differ when they are neurodivergent.4
Therapy goals for neurodivergent individuals typically focus on improving their quality of life by helping them learn to communicate in more useful and functional ways.2 However, what improves one patient’s quality of life differs from what another client needs, so it’s best to tailor therapy to the client’s preferences.4
2. Support Individual Communication Styles
With neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, it’s critical to learn the patient’s preferred method of expressing themselves. Then you can support and strengthen this communication modality rather than force the child to alter their methods, such as using only spoken language to communicate.4
3. Collaboration is Key
You must involve your clients and their families in goal-setting, as they typically understand the challenges and needs better than anyone else. Additionally, asking the client what aspects of their neurodivergence they would like to address, rather than assuming all neurodivergent traits warrant attention, is key when setting neurodiversity affirming speech therapy goals.5
4. Use a Strengths-Based Approach
A strengths-based approach is one of the foundational tenets of neurodiversity-affirming practices.3 With this method, you highlight the client’s inherent abilities and learn how to grow and develop them. As a result, therapy becomes more effective and enjoyable for the patient, which can lead to greater outcomes.5
What Makes a Speech Therapist Neurodiversity Affirming?
There are certain traits that therapists should exhibit to empower their neurodivergent clients.4
First, speech therapists must consider their attitude toward neurodivergence. To be neurodiversity-affirming, therapists must acknowledge that those who are neurodivergent are not less capable in any way; they view and interact with the world differently.3 This shift in attitude goes a long way in your therapeutic approach and allows you to be more flexible with your neurodiversity affirming practices.
Once you recognize that each client may have different needs, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapists create inclusive, supportive environments where their clients feel free to be themselves.3 This can be a significant help since many children with autism mask their characteristics, which can contribute to mental health problems.6 By supporting the client and strengthening their skills, neurodivergent clients can feel empowered.3
Neurodiverse-affirming therapists also believe that everyone has the potential to develop their learning, thinking and understanding.4 As a part of this practice, they recognize that when the child doesn’t say what they’re thinking, they’re still listening and comprehending what is said around them. As such, neurodiversity-affirming therapists avoid talking about the client’s challenges with them in the room.
Finally, practicing neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy means recognizing that the world is ever-changing. As such, therapists prioritize ongoing training and cultural competence to best meet the needs of their clients and continue to understand the best way to help them.4
Adopting these traits can help you to implement a neurodiverse-affirming approach in your speech therapy practice.
Integrating Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices into Your Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Pathway
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy not only helps neurodivergent individuals with their communication development but also helps them feel more empowered and comfortable in their skin. Knowing this, SLPs can support their patients if they enter each session with an open mind.
If you’re interested in becoming a compassionate and competent SLP practitioner, explore the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program and its requirements at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS).
Sources
- “In brief: What is speech therapy?” Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561506/.
- “Speech Therapy,” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/speech-therapy.
- Lerner, M. D., Gurba, A. N., & Gassner, D. L. “A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals,” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2023: 91(9), 503–504. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000839.
- “Affirming Neurodivergence: No More ‘Quiet Hands’,” Default Digital Object Group, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.miw.28112023.slp-neurodiverse-treatment.30.
- Kroll, E., et al. “The positive impact of identity-affirming mental health treatment for neurodivergent individuals,” Frontiers in Psychology, 2024: 15, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403129.
- Evans, J. A., Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J., & Rouse, S. V. “What You Are Hiding Could Be Hurting You: Autistic Masking in Relation to Mental Health, Interpersonal Trauma, Authenticity, and Self-Esteem,” Autism in Adulthood, 2023: 6(2), 229–240, https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2022.0115.
