What is Neurodivergent Affirming Nutrition Care?
At The Nourish Collective, we are committed to providing inclusive spaces and care to the clients and individuals we serve. An element of inclusivity is ensuring we are providing affirming care to neurodivergent folks.
Written By: Piper Barboza Menini, RD
In this blog you’ll learn more about the neurodivergent affirming approach and how it impacts the work we do as trauma informed, weight-inclusive dietitians.
What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
The term was first coined by Kassiane Asasumasu, a neurodivergent (ND) activist, in 2000. The definition of neurodivergent from the oxford dictionary is “differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or “normal (neuronormative)” Neurodivergent is an umbrella term the encapsulates a variety of neurotypes – see this great visual from @livedexperienceducator below.
Neurodivergent is not a medical term or diagnosis but rather an identity.
Acknowledgements
It is important to acknowledge that the awareness we are beginning to have regarding the importance of neurodivergent affirming care is largely in response to the work of neurodivergent activists and scholars. I personally have learned so much from Naureen Hunani @rds_for_neurodiversity, the works of Dr. Devon Price, and Sam Finch.
Many health recommendations are based on research that is not inclusive. There are treatment methods on which “success” is based on a person performing closer to neuronormative expectations without consideration for what is best for those with the lived experience. At The Nourish Collective (TNC), we are committed to learning from those with lived experience as much as possible.
Neurodivergence and Eating Differences
Neurodivergent folks experience feeding difficulties and eating disorders at higher rates compared to neurotypical individuals. Some reasons for this include: executive functioning differences (memory, decision making, time awareness, prioritization, etc), selective eating, sensory processing differences, lack of interest in food, common medications such as stimulants and antipsychotics, and experiences of marginalization and trauma from not fitting into certain social norms.
What is a Neurodivergent affirming approach?
The following is adapted from an excellent resource, Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence- A Stepped Care Approach. We will examine the core elements of a Neurodiversity Affirming Framework and how these elements show up in the work we do with clients.
Founded on the social model of disability and grounded in a human rights approach
Social model of disability infers that it is the environment and lack of accommodations that is disabling, rather than there being something inherently wrong with the individual which should be “fixed” (ie the medical model of disability)
Many ND clients have found nourishing themselves to feel considerably challenging. We get curious with our clients regarding how their environments may help or hinder their eating and work with them to find accommodations that feel supportive.
Takes a strengths-based approach and presumes competence
Clients are the experts of their own experience, and we don’t have a one size fits all approach. Instead, we work collaboratively with folks to try to deeply understand their past experiences and build on their strengths and preferences when implementing strategies.
Respects individual autonomy: practices are humanistic, holistic, and client-centred, activities are client-led, consent is sought and maintained, and self-advocacy is encouraged.
Clients are in the driver’s seat throughout the process of a nutrition counselling experience. Pace of work is adjusted to however slow, or fast works for you!
We help navigate tricky situations with clients such as advocating for themselves at the doctor’s office
Ableist neuronormative expectations and goals are critically challenged: differences are respected and accommodated, and supports do not seek to ‘normalise’, ’treat’, or ’cure’ neurodivergence
No forced food exposures! We work with our clients where they are at and any challenges to aversive foods are done with thorough discussion and a plan that feels comfortable to the human in front of us.
Nourishment looks different for everyone, and many nutrition guidelines do not consider the unique needs of neurodivergent folks. We believe there is no “right” way to feed yourself, and we get creative with our clients to find a pattern of eating that works for them.
Acknowledges and validates all authentic neurodivergent social communication and respects and accommodates communication preferences
We ask clients to share any accommodation needs or preferences they have for sessions. If you don’t want to be on camera- no worries! Want dim lighting in the room? Lets do it. Fidget toys for sessions, check!
Active check ins with clients regarding how information is being shared with them.
Care provided is trauma-informed, gender-affirming, intersectional, and works towards dismantling oppression for all marginalised identities.
We work with clients to bring awareness to how systems of oppression such as ableism, diet culture, hustle culture/capitalism may play into their eating experiences.
TNC practitioners recognize the privileges they hold in the world and actively acknowledge this in the work we do with clients. We are committed to unlearning harmful messages that we may have internalized