Beyond the Milestones Understanding the Neurodivergent Affirming Approach to Child Development

As parents, we all want the best for our children. We often look at childhood development charts to see if our kids are on the right track. But what if your child develops in their own unique way? For parents of neurodivergent children such as those with autism or ADHD, these standard charts can feel worrying.

The good news is that a new, more understanding approach is here. It’s called the neurodivergent-affirming approach. Instead of trying to change a child to fit a chart, this method helps them grow as their true selves.

What is "Neurodivergent-Affirming"?

Let's make it simple. "Neurodivergent" means a brain that works differently. It's a natural difference, not a flaw. "Affirming" means we accept and support that difference.

So, a neurodivergent-affirming approach:

• Looks for strengths: What is your child good at? What do they love?
• Accepts all communication: It doesn't matter if your child uses words, gestures, or a device to talk—their voice is important.
• Respects their needs: If a child needs to move, spin, or have quiet time, that’s okay. We work with their needs, not against them.

Think of it as meeting your child where they are and helping them move forward from there.

DIR Floortime: The Heart of This Approach

A great way to use this approach is with DIR Floortime. DIR is a type of therapy that builds skills through play and connection.

What does a session look like? 

The therapist gets down on the floor to join your child in their favourite activities. If your child loves lining up toys, the therapist doesn't stop them. Instead, they might help line them up, turning it into a fun, shared game.

This builds trust. The child feels understood. From this happy and safe place, the therapist can gently help them learn new skills like sharing, problem-solving, and communication. It feels like play, but it's powerful work.

How This Helps in Different Therapies

This way of thinking is used in different services to help children.

• In Occupational Therapy (OT): The goal is to help kids with daily tasks. An affirming OT might help a sensitive child handle loud noises or help an active child learn through movement they enjoy.
• In Speech Therapy: The focus is on helping a child communicate effectively, not necessarily to speak "perfectly." If a child uses gestures or a tablet to talk, the therapist will build on that. The goal is for the child to share their thoughts and feelings with confidence.
• In Behaviour Therapy: Modern behaviour support isn't about punishment. It's about understanding why a behaviour is happening. Is the child overwhelmed, frustrated, or in need of a break? The therapist then helps them find better ways to cope.

Finding This Kind of Support in Sydney

If you live in Norwest or nearby suburbs like Bella Vista or Castle Hill, you can look for clinics that use these methods. For example, Advantage Therapy in Norwest uses this neurodivergent-affirming approach in all their services, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Behaviour Support. They use DIR Floortime to help children learn and grow in a way that feels right for them.

Choosing a therapist who uses these methods means choosing a partner who sees your child's true potential. The journey isn't about hitting milestones on a chart. It's about helping your child build confidence and find their own way to thrive.