Autism and neurodivergence across the lifespan

Welcome to the Autism and Neurodivergence learning pages. NES has commissioned and designed a range of resources that include information about:

• Terminology and language about neurodivergence
• Clinical best practice guidelines
• The Autism Training Framework and Autism Training Plan 
• Learning resources to increase recognition and understanding of Autistic / neurodivergent children and adults
• Learning resources to increase knowledge and skills in support and interventions for Autistic / neurodivergent children and adults

This is the quarterly NES Autism and Neurodivergence Training Newsletter. It has details of all the NES training offers as well as updates and links to new resources. We hope you find it useful! Please leave any feedback about how we could improve the newsletter here: Feedback - NES Autism and Neurodivergence Newsletter

Language Neuro-Affirming Practise 

We understand there is no universally agreed terminology to describe Autism / neurodivergence, and we wish to respect individual’s choices about how they prefer to talk about and describe themselves. We have included the following terms of reference, but as our understanding evolves these may change, and we will continue to adapt our language to respect the views of neurodivergent people.

NES Psychology is committed to a neuro-affirming position that respects the massive strengths of neurodivergent people as well as meets their support needs. Co-production of resources and training with people who have lived experience is crucial for a neuro-affirming position and is our aim going forwards.

Definitions: 

‘Neuro’ refers to the brain, nerves and nervous system which spans our whole body. 

‘Neurocognitive functions’ are selective aspects of brain functions - the ability to learn and use language, the ability to regulate attention, emotions, impulses (including movements and spontaneous utterances), social behaviours, and process sensory stimuli. 

‘Diversity’ means difference or variety. 

‘Neurodiversity’ acknowledges that individual differences exist as a natural and normal consequence of variation in any large population. 

'Neurotypical' describes individuals where a selective neurocognitive function falls within the range typical for most people in the population. 

'Neurodivergent' describes individuals where a selective neurocognitive function falls out with the typical range.  

‘Neurodevelopment’ is the development of the central nervous system during the life of an individual.  A ‘Neurodevelopmental disorder’ is a term reserved for those whose day-to-day functioning is impaired due to difference in one or more neurocognitive function which lie at the extreme of, or out with the normal range.  

Neuro-affirming practice: Neurodivergent individuals ask to be understood with respect to their strengths and differences alongside any support needs and accommodations. We must strive to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive and reflect on our own biases and assumptions about neurodivergence. Neurodivergent people must be able to live authentically, rather than being pressured to mask differences and must be able to participate in decisions that affect them.