Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Speech and Language Therapists

Are you a speech and language therapist (SLT) working independently, within a speech and language therapy team, or in training? Do you, or might you work with autistic or other neurodivergent people? This book will help you understand the changing narrative around how we support neurodivergent individuals, how to sit with complex thoughts and feelings you may have, and how to grow your capacity to unlearn, adapt and shift your values and practice. This essential guide considers what neurodiversity is and what it means to practice in a neurodiversity-affirming way, considering why we should be doing so and, importantly, how to do it. The book moves through the context of neurodiversity in recent times and considers key historical approaches within speech and language therapy. Chapters offer space for reflective practice based on what we know now, for both individual reflection and with colleagues as part of a wider team, before introducing practical strategies to challenge and change how we work with neurodivergent individuals. Throughout, the voices of autistic and ADHD SLTs are included and amplified, sharing their lived experiences and perspectives to further support teams to develop neurodiversity-informed practice. This book offers a safe and supportive space to explore a topic that can be uncomfortable and scary but must be delved into to provide neurodivergent people with access to therapists with knowledge, skills, and advocacy approaches to best meet their needs. It will be crucial reading for all practising and training speech and language therapists.

Ruth Jones is a highly specialist speech and language therapist. She works primarily with neurodivergent children and young people, and those who require additional support to access meaningful opportunities and their education. Ruth believes in child-led and neurodiversity-informed practice and her core values are around acceptance, curiosity and connection.

Acknowledgements Contributors Positionality Statement Glossary Chapter 1 - The Context Chapter 2 - Integrating Intersectionality: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Speech and Language Therapy Fatimah Bint-Hanif and Kate Boot Chapter 3 - Neurodiversity Now Chapter 4 - Our Learning Process Chapter 5 - Putting it into Practice Chapter 6 - Expressive Communication Chapter 7 - Social Communication Chapter 8 - Relationships and Sex Education - A Speech and Language Therapist's Role Kate Boot Chapter 9 - Flipping the Narrative on Behaviour Chapter 10 - Reflective Practice Reading List Index