ACT and Neurodiversity

With the rise in usage of the concept of Neurodiversity, I thought I would take a moment here to demonstrate how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Neurodiversity therapy heavily overlap.

One of the fundamental recognitions in Neuro-affirming therapy is the identification and validation that neurodivergence is simply a human process and that such a phenomenon should not be seen as a flaw or illness that needs fixing.

This lines up almost completely with ACT in seeing that we are far too complex to be labeled with a diagnostic and supported by the transdiagnostic view of the human condition. We cannot use labeling such as found in the DSM-V since we are:

1. Only getting a snapshot of an individual when working with someone for the first time, since what brought them in (symptoms) leaves out all other times when they were functioning quite well.
2. Given that the range of human experience is impacted by a complexity of choices and events in one human being life, how can we apply this across a population of more than 7.5 billion individuals? From the moment we are born, there are already so many factors at work that be impossible for use to quantify.

Understanding Neurodiversity

• Neurodiversity refers to the naturally occurring differences in brain functioning and resulting behaviors among humans.
• It encompasses variations in cognition, behavior, and communication.
• Just as height and eye color vary naturally, so does neurodiversity.

As a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist:

• We acknowledge that neurodivergence is not inherently problematic.
• We appreciate the strengths associated with different neurotypes.
• Unlike traditional approaches, we avoid pathologizing non-harmful behaviors.
• Our goal is to create an accepting and understanding therapeutic environment.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), when applied to neuro-affirming therapy, offers a valuable perspective for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Let’s explore how these two approaches intersect:

1. Neuro-Affirming Therapy:

   • Goal: Neuro-affirming therapists validate and celebrate the unique life experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

   • Approach:

     • Acceptance: Emphasizes accepting neurodivergence without framing it as a flaw or illness.

     • Validation: Affirms all aspects of the client’s identity, including their neurodivergent traits.

     • Client-Centered: Builds a strong therapeutic relationship by being aware of the client’s identity and experiences.

   • Targets:

     • Communication development

     • Self-advocacy

     • Self-determination

     • Perspective-taking

     • Problem-solving

     • Boundary-setting

     • Consent

     • Safety awareness

     • Differentiating between friends and non-friends

     • Autism acceptance training for family members, educators, and peers¹.

2. ACT in Neuro-Affirming Context:

   • Action-Oriented: ACT encourages clients to accept their deeper feelings and make value-based decisions.

   • Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals:

     • Some aspects of ACT may not be straightforward or accessible for neurodivergent people.

     • Adaptations are necessary to ensure effectiveness.

   • Informed by Dr. Russ Harris: Utilizing work by Dr. Russ Harris, therapists tailor ACT techniques to better suit neurodivergent clients².

Practical exercises from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that align with a neuro-affirming approach:

1. Value Clarification Exercise:

   • Have your client rank their values by priorities.

   • Identify areas of their lives where they feel unfulfilled or need further development.

   • Rate each life domain (e.g., family, finances, relationships, self-care) according to importance.

2. Mindfulness Meditation:

   • Practice focused attention on the present moment.

   • Observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment.

   • Use techniques like breath awareness or body scan.

3. Goal Exploration Worksheet:

   • Use a worksheet template to break down a client’s goal:

     • Explore how the goal aligns with their values.

     • Identify necessary steps to achieve the goal.

     • Anticipate experiences that may arise during the process.

Remember, these exercises empower individuals to recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and make adjustments tailored to their unique needs.