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Neuro-Affirmative Youth Work
Neuro-Affirmative Youth Work
Content
Join Lisa Cannon (Youth Work Ireland Galway) and Christina Fitzharris (Youth Work Ireland) for a practical session on working in neurodiverse spaces. Explore what it means to be neuro-affirmative — moving beyond deficit-based approaches to celebrate neurodivergent identities, adapt language with respect, and strengthen inclusive youth work practice.
From labels to liberation — learn how to be truly neuro-affirmative!
Being neuro-affirmative means moving beyond deficit-based approaches and instead recognising, respecting, and celebrating neurodivergent culture and identities. It’s about supporting needs and challenges without pathologising difference — and ensuring that young people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Through shared insights, strategies, and practical examples, this workshop will:
- Highlight the principles of neuro-affirmative practice.
- Explore the evolving language around neurodiversity and why it matters.
- Provide tools for communicating respectfully and inclusively, based on how individuals choose to identify.
- Offer space for reflection on how these approaches can strengthen broader youth work practice.
As language and understanding continue to evolve, so too must our practice. This session invites participants to learn, reflect, and adapt, ensuring youth work remains inclusive, respectful, and empowering for neurodivergent young people.
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By the end of this session, participants will:
- Grasp the core principles of neuro-affirmative practice — moving from “fixing” to celebrating difference.
- Understand and apply evolving neurodiversity language — using words that empower and respect identity.
- Gain practical tools for inclusive communication — supporting young people to define themselves on their own terms.
- Reflect on their own practice — discovering how neuro-affirmative approaches can transform and strengthen everyday youth work.
- Leave inspired and equipped — ready to create spaces where neurodivergent young people are truly seen, heard, and valued.
Tasks
Task no.1
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Youth Work Ireland
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"Promoting our Practice"
Youth Work Ireland
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