IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AROUND NEURODIVERGENCE USING LANGUAGE

Neurodivergence is a word used to describe the natural differences in the way people’s brains work, think and process information. If someone is neurodivergent, it means that their brain is built significantly differently from most others. Neurodivergent conditions and differences include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s syndrome, dysgraphia, amongst others.    

We can use our words to work together to create more neuro-inclusive and welcoming communities.

As part of the Coventry and Warwickshire All-Age Autism Strategy, we have been exploring language and encouraging people to think about the words they use when talking about neurodivergence. Our aim has been to support people to feel more comfortable and confident choosing and using language. 

At the very heart of this project has been lived experience. Remie Colledge, Project Co-Lead and Experience by Experience tells us more: 

“When I received my autism diagnosis and began to connect with the neurodivergent community,  I remember how daunting it felt suddenly being surrounded by so many new words. Not only was I trying to figure out how to think, feel, make sense of and describe my own experiences, I was also feeling anxious about offending others by using the ‘wrong’ words. 

Over time, the more conversations I had and the more I learnt, that anxiety lessened. I realised there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to talk about neurodivergence, because we are all unique. We will describe our experiences in different ways, and that’s okay. 

So, why is this important? The words we use to talk about neurodivergence can help people to feel heard, seen and validated. Subtle shifts in words and language can help us move away from talking ‘about people’ in ways that don’t necessarily match up with their experiences, to being able to develop shared understanding, and building trust and connection in the process. 

This co-production project has been a huge team effort, with lots of learning along the way. The outputs of the project may have been different to our initial goals, but that is the joy of co-production, being flexible, creative and guided by the process. 
We are grateful to everyone who has already got involved by sharing their experiences and who have worked together to shape these new resources. We also appreciate your curiosity and taking the time to read about and explore the resource. We hope that you find the resources helpful.” 

Take a look at the new page of resources including:

- explore the new neurodivergent language graphics

- download the resources

- create your own infographics by downloading blank versions