The language we use is important: Improving Communication Around Neurodivergence

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 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.” 

Remie Colledge, Project Co-Lead/ Experience by Experience

Over the last couple of years, we have continued to listen to the experiences of local neurodivergent people and their families, professionals and allies. 

Based on what we have learnt, the project team have co-produced a series of 5 infographics to share important themes. This initial series has been launched within Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to celebrate difference and break down stereotypes and assumptions. However, we hope these infographics will help you to reflect and start conversations that continue beyond this week. 

Whilst we have worked hard to represent the experiences of as many people as possible, we appreciate your own experiences or views may be different. Further versions of the infographics will be launched in the coming months, to include different quotes and further representation from lived experience.

Overview Infographic

The first infographic introduces 4 themes. Each theme helps us to consider the words we use and includes quotes from people with lived experience. 

As you explore the infographics, we encourage you to reflect on the following questions:

1. What do the key messages mean to you in your professional and/ or personal life?

2. What can we do next, or do differently to become better allies to our neurodivergent colleagues, loved ones, friends, neighbours and those we support? 

Ask, Listen and Observe

Every neurodivergent person is unique and may prefer different words to describe their experiences. 

What can you do?
 

• Ask questions in a sensitive and respectful way to understand a person’s preferences
• Listen and observe the language a person is using themselves and use this language with them. 
  

Avoid Assumptions, I Am Unique

“We are all a little bit autistic.” This is one of the many comments that was shared as we listened to people’s experiences. 

These comments, and importantly, how they make people feel, highlight there are many assumptions and stereotypes that still exist about neurodivergence. 

What can you do?

• Think about the words we use. We can use our words to help break down these stereotypes and let go of assumptions.
• What might be a well-meaning comment, can feel invalidating to a neurodivergent person. Consider, what is the intention behind a comment or phrase, and is there a different way to say it?
• Whilst neurodivergence could be a very important part of a person’s identity, this will vary from person to person. 
• Remember, get to know the whole person, including, and beyond, their neurodivergence.
  

Recognise Strengths, Understand Needs

This theme represents people’s experience of hearing a lot of deficit-focused language. How can we adopt a more balanced approach through the words we use? 

For example, how can we recognise people’s strengths, whilst equally still understanding and validating the very real challenges we might face whilst living in a world that largely isn’t designed for neurodivergent minds?  

What can we do?

• Remember that being neurodivergent refers to a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Whilst different, it doesn’t make it the ‘wrong’ way, or a ‘deficit.’
• Recognise people’s strengths, at the same time as listening to their support needs. Both can co-exist. 
  

Learn and Adapt

The language we use to talk about neurodivergence is constantly shifting and evolving. 

What can we do?

• Keep listening and learning from people with lived experience
• Sometimes we might use words that don’t fit with people’s experience. We can use these moments as opportunities to keep learning and adapting.

For more about this project and what we have learnt, you can watch the following webinar: 

 

Click the links below to download the infographics. We have both colour and black and white versions available.

• Neurodivergent 4 steps
• Neurodivergent black & white

You can also download blank versions of the infographics to print and write your own words and experiences on. 

You might like to use these within your own setting e.g. at work, in education, within health and social care and beyond. 

• Neurodivergent Language blank templates