Embracing neurodiversity: Our path towards inclusive mental health support
In a world that often struggles to understand neurodiversity, we at Kids Inspire are constantly evolving to address this. Together as a society we need to combat the ‘Double Empathy Problem’ which defines the difficulty of mutual understanding between neurodivergent and neurotypical people. Our latest Impact Report shows that 35% of young people referred to us have neurodivergent needs, an increase compared to 26% last year. We want to share how we are taking steps to improve support for neurodivergent young people and their families and encourage the wider community to work together.
What is neurodiversity?
Our brains are unique, we all understand the world differently. Neurodiversity encompasses this and steers away from shaming these differences and focuses on highlighting the strengths of neurodivergent people. Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and Tics fall under the umbrella term.
What is the Double Empathy Problem?
The ‘Double Empathy Problem’ is a term used to explain a two-way challenge in understanding and connecting with others, especially between neurodivergent people and neurotypical people. This was first introduced by British researcher and autism advocate Damian Milton in 2012.
Imagine two friends speaking different languages trying to understand each other; they might both find it hard. Similarly, when neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals interact, they might have different ways of communicating and seeing the world. The double empathy problem suggests that it's not just the neurodivergent person's responsibility to adjust to the neurotypical world; both sides need to try to understand and accept each other's differences. This concept is crucial for creating inclusive and supportive environments, especially for neurodivergent young people, by promoting empathy and understanding on both sides.
Taking a holistic approach
There has been far too much time spent stigmatising neurodiversity, instead of focusing on the superpowers of neurodivergent young people. This feels like the perfect time to quote Australian Actor and Author Chloe Hayden, “Our brains are magic…Neurodivergent minds are the most creative brains in the entire world.”
In our work we put the child at the centre and include the whole family system which is essential in understanding and helping their mental health. Collaborative efforts between family members and professionals have a far-reaching impact on a young person, much more than support in isolation ever could. That's why we don't just provide support for a young person, we also support parents/carers. We also create and deliver training for parents, caregivers and professionals. You’ll learn more about our training later.
Introducing our Neurodiversity Specialists
We are excited to share a significant step forward in our journey – the addition of two therapists, Karen and Yvonne, who have joined our core team in the newly created roles of Neurodiversity Specialists. Their passion and deep understanding of neurodivergent needs is inspiring, and their expertise is crucial for more inclusive support.
Yvonne highlights the importance of considering sensory aspects during therapy sessions saying ‘consideration must be given to the environment including seating, lighting, noise, smells and fabrics. The sensory aspect is as important as the therapy.” We are already proud of the creative therapies we offer, but their input will enable us to hone in on this, while also providing education for the whole family system around a young person.
Over the summer, Karen and Yvonne have been planning and developing their roles, focusing on accessible knowledge-sharing through workshops, professional development presentations, educational sessions for schools, as well as supporting the rest of our clinical team. Watch this space!
Meet Karen
“There is so much scope to inform and expand people’s knowledge and understanding of these hidden differences so that children can be supported to be the best they can.”
Karen is a person-centred Creative Counsellor specialising in working with neurodivergent young people. She has over 15 years’ experience, also working alongside families, including running Lego groups and counselling, and is currently studying an MSc in ‘Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions’.
Meet Yvonne
“Navigating a neurotypical path when a person’s daily experience is anything but, can be challenging, overwhelming, uncomfortable, and illuminating. Some of my clients have expressed that they feel their life is like 'Alice in Wonderland' and indeed Lewis Carol was autistic.”
Yvonne is an Integrative Psychotherapist who uses talk therapy, creative arts materials and activities when working with clients. Throughout her 20-year career she found herself specialising in working with alternative thinkers, particularly with teenagers.
Both Karen and Yvonne are delighted to have been presented the opportunity to work alongside other team members in this specialist role.
Expanding our training
For the first time ever, we have created specific training for professionals supporting neurodivergent young people. With an ever growing demand, a brand new plan was put together, with the first session to be delivered by our founder, CEO and Clinical Director Sue Bell OBE - an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and qualified Attachment and Trauma Resolution Specialist. Our aim is to educate and improve the network around neurodivergent young people. The training provides a greater awareness and understanding, and creates a toolbox for professionals be those teachers, social or health workers.
Empowering change, one step at a time
“I recently found out that I’m autistic. And that to me just explains so much about what has actually gone on in my life. I wasn’t the weird kid I just had something that I didn’t yet know about. It makes me understand who I am now. It’s lovely to know that the term that everyone stigmatises is the reason I am me.”
At Kids Inspire, we're dedicated to supporting neurodivergent young people and their families, and addressing the 'Double Empathy Problem.' Our holistic approach focuses on understanding, with Neurodiversity Specialists Karen and Yvonne enhancing our inclusive support. Our training empowers educators and health workers to create a more empathetic network for neurodiversity. We aim to foster collaboration and acceptance, building a more inclusive world for neurodivergent young people. What’s one step you could take to embrace neurodiversity?