Neuro-affirmative Practice - A strengths-based approach

It is, and will always be, a priority for Motional to live and promote neuro-affirming practice. As the recognition and acceptance of neurodivergence grows, we want to support staff members to understand the different neurotypes and create positive environments for all of their students through validating practice and the use of neuro-affirming language.

Neuro-affirmative practice is about validation. It is about recognising, acknowledging and celebrating neurodivergence through supportive approaches and respectful and inclusive environments. Neuro-affirming language aims to;

1. Acknowledge and respect differences in neurological systems,
2. Support general understanding of these differences,
3. Shift any negative preconceptions and societal associations around neurodivergence.

Together, these form the basis of a strengths-based approach - one that values individuals for who they are, and promotes proactive systems designed to respond to a wide range of neurological needs and preferences. This creates an environment that adapts to the individual, rather than expecting the individual to adapt to an inflexible system.

So, let us introduce you to a key new support feature of Motional, our Neuro-affirming, 'Always-Never' descriptors.

When considering our student’s wellbeing through the Motional questionnaire, it could be rather closed-minded and particularly exclusive to expect to see the same behaviours from all participants and all neurotypes. If we did this, it could lead to some young people standing out within the Groupshot and Snapshot results; not because of specifically required support but because of an initial lack of appreciation and consideration for their individual engagement needs.

Whilst the question/statements have always remained the same for all participants, what we see from the associated behaviours could vary with different neurotypes.

Whilst flexibility and individuality has always been encouraged, up to now, our ‘Always/Never’ descriptors have supported you in considering the general behaviours you might see from your students. Our new Neuro-Affirming Descriptors are designed to validate the needs and expressions of all neurotypes and support you in recognising and considering these observable behaviours when creating your Snapshots and Groupshots.

When creating Snapshots and Groupshots in Motional, alongside each question will now be found a series of statements specific to Neurotypical, SEMH, Autistic, SLD, and PMLD participants.

Where we use these terms, which use identity-affirming and neuro-affirming language, we recognise that neurodivergence is part of human diversity. Each pupil’s individuality, strengths, and lived experiences are valued alongside their identified needs.

This process isn’t about fitting the child into a predefined category - it’s about expanding our view to truly see and appreciate the whole child.

Neuro-affirming language considerations

Personal preference

The first thing to consider is any individual preference which will supersede any otherwise affirming language we may use. For example, whether someone prefers ‘identity first’ language (“Autistic person”) or ‘person first’ language (“person with autism”).

The general consensus is that ‘identity first’ could be used as a default as it identifies any neurodivergence as a key part of a person’s identity..

Push for the Positive

Supportive language is always evolving. It evolves with understanding and as its usage changes. This is the same for neuro-affirming language so it’s good to be up-to-date on how the neuro-divergent community feel about different phrases used.

Historically, we may have used terms such as ‘disorder’ as in the now defunct ‘ASD’ or ‘symptoms’ to describe what we would now call characteristics. Affirming language helps anyone involved gain compassion and insight into our differences as human beings.

Other examples of positive changes we can make include:

Neuro-affirming practice is ever-changing. With new understanding comes new approaches and updated language. We are always looking to remain reflective and open to feedback about all of our features (positive and constructive) so please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or anything to share.