Neurodiversity-Affirming Supports

What are neurodiversity affirming supports, and what does this look like at One Step Ahead?

At One Step Ahead we believe in meeting you where you are, and helping you get to where you want to be. The only way we can do this is by respecting who you are, and building on your strengths. We recognise the importance of person-centred care that focusses on you, your preferences and what you need to live the life you want to. Because of that, we utilise a neurodiversity-affirming approach towards our practices.  What does that mean, and what does that look like on a day-to-day basis.

What Is does neurodiversity mean?

Neurodiversity recognises the differences in how we process information, and communicate with others – it means viewing autism, ADHD, and learning differences as variations of how our brain works. When we say we are neurodiversity affirming, that means that we see these differences as part of being human, and not something that needs to be “fixed” or “cured”.

Why Does This Matters in Behaviour Support

The thought of behaviour support can be daunting – it’s in the name, right? If there’s behaviours, something must be wrong, and we must come and fix it! We view behaviours as communication, and focus of figuring out what the behaviours are communicating and what we can change in the environment to help keep everyone safe. This might be introducing sensory tools and strategies, helping create connections with others that can support with co-regulation or introducing new ways to express what you need. We aim to understand the person’s needs, respect their way of being, and work with them to improve their quality of life.

At One Step Ahead you can expect:

• Comprehensive functional assessments to understand what’s going on. We don’t make assumptions, we look at all the information available to help understand YOU and what you need.

• Practical, tailored strategies to meet individual needs – we don’t work within “one size fits all” mindsets. Everyone has their own individual differences that we need to recognise, and work alongside them. Not against them.

• Collaboration with participants, families, and support workers – we make sure that whatever we develop, and introduce is going to work for you. No one fits into a box!

• A commitment to reducing restrictive practices and improving quality of life. We recognise the importance of safety, as well as maintaining your dignity to make choices.

We’re here to support neurodivergent people to live confidently, express themselves, and be celebrated for who they are—not masked, corrected, or changed.

If you’d like to talk more about neurodiversity affirming supports, we’d be happy to help! Please contact us at office@onestepaheadhealth.com.au or enquire through our website ✨️