Facilitated by Lisa Cannon, Youth Work Ireland Galway. This session shares insights, strategies, and learnings from working in neurodiverse spaces and will support broader youth work practice.
"What does it mean to be neuro-affirmative? Moving away from an approach which talks
about deficits or impairments and instead, recognising and respecting evolving neurodivergent
culture and identities, supporting needs and challenges and not pathologising neurodivergent
ways of being." (Neurodiversty Ireland, n.d.)
"As language around neurodiversity continues to evolve, it is important to recognise the dynamic
nature of how individuals and communities choose to identify. Establishing how individuals prefer
to describe themselves is essential in honouring their identities and lived experiences. This guide
emphasises the importance of using language that respects and affirms neurodivergent individuals'
self-identification. It acknowledges that terminology may vary among individuals and communities,
and encourages open communication to establish preferred language. Additionally, this guide is
committed to staying up to date, to reflect neuro-affirming language and values, ensuring
inclusivity and respect for all." (Neurodiversty Ireland, n.d.)