Neurodiversity Affirming Ways to Model Language

As neurodiversity-affirming clinicians, we understand that our neurodivergent clients might communicate and interact with the world around them differently than neurotypical individuals. Rather than striving for “normalcy,” it is our role to support and enhance our client’s communication in a way that respects and honors their preferences, interests, and communication styles. Transitioning to this mindset can be difficult when you are a parent that is new to understanding the neurodiverse space. Are you still learning how to become a more neurodiversity-affirming parent, friend or professional? You have made your way to this page to learn, and that is an excellent first step! Here you will find some neurodiversity-affirming ways you can model language.  

What it Means to Be Neurodiversity Affirming 

Play Spark defines “neurodiversity” as a term that means that brain differences are naturally occurring variations in humans. Being neurodiversity-affirming acknowledges these brain differences and sees them as natural and welcome. This reduces stigma and increases acceptance. For more resources on neurodiversity, you can visit Play Spark’s website here.  

Model Language Around Your Childs Interests  

Modeling language that expands off your child’s unique interests is an excellent way to keep your child engaged and validate the things that bring them joy. Rich language models provide your child with an abundance of vocabulary or phrases that they can later share when engaging with other peers and adults. After all, it’s awesome to be able to talk about things that we enjoy! For example, if your child brings you a dump truck to play with, here are a few phrases you can model: 

• “Play dump truck” 
• “Big dump truck” 
• “Fast dump truck” 
• “Green dump truck” 
• “I like this dump truck” 

Use Their Language  

Does your child use certain phrases, words, or sing certain songs within specific play schemes? Use their language with them! All forms of communication are meaningful and valid. By using your child’s language or modeling their own phrases, you are validating what they are sharing with you. This may empower your child to use that language again. If your child is communicating using simpler language (e.g., big dump truck), meet them where they are instead of bombarding them with complex, lengthier utterances, or questions. For example, instead of responding to “big dump truck” with: “that is a really big dump truck that’s dumping cement into a big pile,” you could say: “yes! big green dump truck!” 

Promote Self-Advocacy 

Teaching children to self-advocate early on in life sets a solid foundation for them as they grow, helping them to thrive and interact with themselves and the world around them. Modeling self-advocacy statements can teach your children that it is ok to express their needs across contexts. For example, if your child becomes overwhelmed and sits with their head in their hands when they need help, model phrases such as “help me,” “help,” or “I need help.” You can learn more about self-advocacy and self-awareness here. Some other self-advocacy statements you can model are: 

• “I need space” 
• “No thanks” 
• “I need a break” 
• “I’m all done” 
• “I want more” 

Building Success  

For children to be confident and build healthy relationships, they need to feel like they can express themselves and be understood. Utilizing neurodiversity-affirming language and approaches as parents, professionals, and friends, allows us to not only better connect with neurodivergent individuals but sets them up for the most positive, successful outcomes.  

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