A Therapist’s Guide to Neurodiversity Affirming Practice with Children and Young People

by Raelene Dundon

In this honest and practical guide, autistic therapist Raelene Dundon explores and demystifies how neurodiversity affirming principles can be easily applied to therapeutic practice.

Covering essential considerations for working with neurodivergent clients such as presuming competence, promoting autonomy and respecting communication styles, and providing advice on the best affirming approaches in therapy including how to accommodate sensory needs and encourage self-advocacy, Raelene provides easy-to-implement ways to make your practice inclusive and empowering for neurodivergent children and young people.

The deficit model is out. It's time to become neurodiversity affirming.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

Raelene is the Director of Okey Dokey Childhood Psychology in Melbourne, Australia. She is a registered Psychologist and holds a Masters Degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology. Raelene has extensive experience working with children with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as typically developing children, providing educational, social/emotional and behavioural support.

Raelene has worked extensively in early childhood intervention settings, schools and private practice, and works with preschools and schools to provide individual student and staff support, as well as running social skills groups for students. She regularly presents workshops for parents and professionals on topics related to supporting children with special needs in the classroom and in other settings, and has recently presented at an International Autism Conference in Edinburgh, as well as conferences in Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne.

Raelene is also the mother of three children, two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum, and draws on both her personal and professional experience to provide support and guidance to families and carers.

Reviews

[Natalie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book! I found myself swimming with ideas and strategies to implement. The emphasis on a strength-based approach and the insightful discussions on goal-setting and reframing behavior have already made a significant impact on my approach. I've tagged numerous pages and eagerly anticipate revisiting them throughout my practice. Your book not only offers practical examples but also delves into the theoretical aspects, making it a truly comprehensive resource. Thank you for including the 'Useful Resources' section; it has been invaluable."

[Liv Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for therapists looking to understand neurodiversity affirming practice. It covers the topic from the ground up in an accessible and user friendly way. I can imagine using it in work with young people, but also to help find ways to explain the approach to families and schools without in an accessible way. I have been waiting for something to come along like this, and I am so grateful for the thoughtfulness, tact, and skill with which Raelene Dundon covered the material. Thank you!