Episode 64: Ask The Audience (#2): Language for Autism, and Neurodivergent Therapists
Jul 26, 2024
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Patrick Casale, a mental health professional focused on neurodivergence, and Dr. Neff, an AuDHD expert, tackle pressing questions from their community. They debate the damaging oversimplification of saying 'everyone is a little bit autistic.' The duo emphasizes the power of identity-first language while discussing the nuances of terminology around neurodivergence. They also share the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent therapists and offer practical tips for avoiding burnout in the profession, reinforcing the idea that support is crucial on this journey.
The podcast challenges the harmful simplification that everyone is a little autistic, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding of neurodiversity.
It advocates for identity-first language as a means of empowering autistic individuals, contrasting it with person-first language that may be distancing.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Neurodivergence
The discussion highlights the misconception that everyone is a little autistic, emphasizing how such statements diminish the authentic experiences of those on the autism spectrum. This simplification minimizes the challenges faced by autistic individuals and disregards the complex nature of identity and neurodiversity. The hosts critique this perspective by comparing it to being a 'little bit pregnant', arguing that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of traits and experiences that cannot be generalized. Emphasizing that neurotypical and neurodivergent categorizations are overly simplistic, they call for nuanced conversations about individual neurodivergent traits and their implications.
Language Matters in Autism Identity
The podcast emphasizes the preference for identity-first language among many autistic individuals, contrasting it with person-first language, which can feel distancing and minimize the experience of being autistic. Identity-first language frames autism as an integral part of one's identity, asserting pride in being autistic rather than viewing it as a disorder to be separated from the self. Despite the need for certain terminologies when dealing with systems, there is a growing movement away from terms like ASD or high-functioning, which many find demeaning. The importance of language in shaping identity and how society perceives autism is underscored, advocating for a shift toward language that affirms neurodivergent identities.
Neurodivergent Professionals in Mental Health
The conversation reveals the challenges and potential of being a neurodivergent mental health practitioner, discussing how systems are often not designed for neurodivergent individuals. While acknowledging the risks of burnout and the need for supportive environments, the hosts encourage neurodivergent individuals to pursue careers in mental health, citing the unique insights they bring. They also discuss the increasing availability of teletherapy and flexible practices that can accommodate neurodivergent professionals more comfortably. The need for neurodivergent affirming therapists is highlighted, reinforcing that those understanding these experiences are in high demand, and the landscape is slowly evolving to support such professionals.
It’s natural to have many questions following neurodivergent discovery, diagnosis, or while embracing a new identity. Additionally, there are individuals who might not identify as neurodivergent but are curious about the very nuanced conversations happening in and around the neurodivergent community.
In this second Ask The Audience episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, respond to questions they have received from podcast listeners and their communities.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Dive into the controversial topic of whether "everyone is a little bit autistic" and understand why this statement can be harmful and dismissive to the autistic community.
Gain insight into the nuances of language used to describe neurodivergence, including the pros and cons of terms like ASD, high functioning, and on the spectrum, and why identity-first language can be empowering.
Explore the unique challenges and potential advantages of being an Autistic or ADHD therapist, and learn practical tips for preventing burnout and finding success in the field.
As you navigate your own neurodivergent journey, remember that you are not alone, and your inquiries are invaluable, not just to you, but to countless others facing similar challenges. We will continue to have episodes like this in the future, so we appreciate your questions to help guide these future episodes.