A Clinician?s Guide to Neurodivergence: Supporting a Neuro-Affirmative Form of Practice

A Clinician’s Guide to Neurodivergence: Supporting a neuro-affirmative form of practice is a concise handbook which provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of a range of conditions to support clinicians working with individuals with diverse neurocognitive profiles. It provides a practical guide for clinicians to move towards a more neuro-aware and neuro-affirmative way of working. It sets out guidance around diagnosis and access to services whilst giving consideration to the adaptations and accommodations that might be necessary to avoid the inequities that can often be experienced through neuro-normative or heteronormative practices.

Topics covered include learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, Autism, ADHD, acquired brain injury and various other neurodivergent profiles. The intersection of neurodivergence with factors such as gender and age and comorbidity with mental health and personality profiles are also considered. Drawing on the NICE guidelines, the International Classification of Disease (ICD) system, and the Diagnostical Statistical Manual (DSM), each chapter provides the background to different neuro-cognitive profiles, common indicators that may be observed, screening and diagnostic assessment, clinical recommendations and signposting to relevant resources and services.

It is valuable reading for students, researchers, clinicians, therapists, medical and allied professionals who require an introductory text providing in-depth details regarding a range of neurodivergent conditions.

Dr Sarah Ashworth-Watts is a Consultant Forensic Psychologist working clinically within neuropsychological rehabilitation and independently completing risk and diagnostic assessments for individuals within the criminal justice system, as well as giving evidence at court as an expert witness. As a founding member of ABC Psychology, she has a particular interest in neurodiversity within forensic contexts, ensuring psychological provision is accessible for all. She enjoys contributing to the professional development of the next generation of psychologists, peers, and other professionals. She lectures and examines at several academic institutions, provides specialist training worldwide, in addition to authoring multiple articles, chapters and books.

Dr Natalie Brotherton is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with adults with a broad range of neurocognitive profiles. Her focus is adapting approaches to best meet the needs of neurodivergent people, with a particular interest in understanding and working therapeutically with people who have co-occurring forensic, mental health or personality needs. She provides training nationally and is a visiting lecturer at a European university. She is a founding member of ABC Psychology.

Dr Hannah Carton is a Forensic Psychologist currently working with adults a secure setting. She has worked with service users with a wide range of presentations and is committed to ensuring equity of access to service provisions. She constantly strives to develop her clinical practice skills and broader knowledge. She takes pride in providing a safe supervisory space for trainee psychologists enabling them to contribute to the development of their field of study. As a founding member of ABC Psychology, and an autistic, dyslexic practitioner herself, she has a vested interest in expanding knowledge, understanding and acceptance for neurodivergent people.