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Neurodiversity Affirmative Practice is a relatively new paradigm that has arisen out of the recognition of the importance of listening to those with lived experience. It assumes two main tenets:

Firstly, that neurodivergence is conceptualised from the social disability model, rather than the medical model of disability.

Secondly, those previous treatments, interventions, and therapies are now considered disrespectful to ND people, and we need to change the way we relate to, and support, these individuals.

This talk will discuss this new paradigm, by sharing our growing knowledge and changing conceptualisation of neurodivergence, how to support ND individuals, and why such a shift is important to the continued well-being of our clients.

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Allison Haynes (MPsych Ed/Dev) is an Autistic/ADHD psychologist, who was driven to study psychology when she became frustrated with the lack of support for her autistic children. She has been a practicing clinician in private practice for 10 years, and now owns a successful ND affirmative therapy clinic, in Brisbane, Australia. Her clinic, Left of Centre Therapies, has a fast growing team, with all clinicians either being ND, or closely related to an ND family member. Left of Centre is an educational practice, where provisional psychologists gain top quality training and support in practicing in the ND space, a much-needed service to the community. Her clinic has been nominated for multiple awards, and Allison has plans to expand nationally. LOC’s mission statement is: “If anyone walks into our clinic and feels uncomfortable, we are doing something wrong.” Left of Centre works hard to make each session a safe space for ND individuals to be able to unmask, and explore their authentic selves. In her spare time, Allison is writing her autobiography about raising autistic boys, while coming to the realisation that she, herself is autistic.

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Links:

Check out our next event: theweekenduniversity.com/events

- Allison’s website: http://allisonhaynespsychology.com.au/