Celebrating diversity in all its forms (gender, cultural, neurobiological, skill and ability) is a core value at Hills District Speech Therapy and always has been. We are passionate about not just accepting, but celebrating diversity and understand the value of a diverse society and workplace. Therefore we are excited by the discussions and curiosity that the ND affirming movement is creating and are empowered to adapt our systems and practices to better support neurodiverse clients.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the variation between each individual in their neurocognition, or more simply, how they think, behave, and communicate. This variation can manifest in an array of commonly known diagnoses including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Developmental language disorder (DLD)
- Mental health conditions such as bipolar, schizophrenia and anxiety
- Global developmental delays (GDD), and
- Sensory processing difficulties (SPD).
At HDST we have embraced a positive shift towards the neurodiversity paradigm and away from ableist perspectives. This has extended across all areas of practice including our specialist clinics.
Social Emotional Stages of Development from the DIRFloortime Model
What neurodiverse affirming approaches do we use?
At Hills District Speech Therapy we know that developing a strong connection with each child and family is the one thing that will create the greatest gains. We ensure that our interventions focus on the principles of developmental, individual difference, following the client’s lead and interests. Through the development of these strong relationships and trust, we foster functional and meaningful communication. Your child’s therapist may use strategies and methods from one or more of the following approaches and or programs:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Total Communication (i.e. multimodal communication)
- Relationship-Based Model (DIR)
- Hanen
- Responsive Feeding
- Get Permission Approach
- Parent and caregiver training (including Hanen parent training workshops)
- Autism Level UP!
- Konfident Kidz
- Natural Language Acquisition (when working with identified/suspected gestalt language processors)
What we offer at HDST when supporting our ND clients and Families
Our therapists receive ongoing training and support in working with neurodiverse clients. Part of delivering a well rounded, individualised service for each of our clients and their families, our team also…