Ep. 194: What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care?

Awareness and understanding of neurodiversity have been expanding in our society along with the need and opportunity for neurodiversity-affirming care. 

I'm thrilled to have Kody Harms joining me this week. Kody is a neuro-affirming therapist, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse children, teens, and adults. As a board-certified behavior analyst and co-owner of Curated Family Therapeutics, Kody brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our discussion on neurodiversity.

In today's episode, we'll explore what it means to give and receive neuro-affirming care. Neurodiversity impacts individuals differently, and it's crucial to recognize and celebrate these differences rather than viewing them as deficits. We'll discuss how society's understanding of neurodiversity has grown significantly, reflecting our expanding knowledge about the brain and the diverse ways it can function.

With the rise of social media and ongoing research, we're hearing more diverse voices and gaining a deeper appreciation of the vastness of the neurodiversity spectrum. Teachers and administrators play a pivotal role in shaping opportunities for neurodivergent youth. By fostering inclusive environments and embracing the unique qualities everyone brings to the table, we can create a more understanding and accepting world.

Kody is passionate about creating inclusive environments and offering individualized support based on the needs of each student, parent, or client. Tune in to learn more about understanding and accepting people for all the beautiful differences they bring.

Show Notes:

[02:12] -  At Curated Family Therapeutics they have three modes of support: 1. One to one acceptance and commitment therapy for neurodiverse teams and adults. 2. Working with parents of neurodivergent children. 3. Applying the one to one therapy in the classroom.

[04:07] -  Their work extends from getting the diagnosis and supporting the family to high school and adulthood. 

[05:17] -  For Kody, incorporating neuro-affirming ideas begins with questioning his own neurotypical norms and how he was raised. Each generation gets more empathetic and celebratory of neurodiversity.

[06:30] -  Kody doesn't want to change who anybody is, he just wants to help them find the best version of themselves.

[07:03] -  We want to change the environment so that it supports the differences in the way that our brains are wired. 

[07:50] -  Educating parents is a large part of neuro-affirming support. Creating neuro-affirming care within education is also very important.

[09:30] -  Practices educators can adopt include creating opportunities for social and emotional learning within the whole classroom so as not to isolate the individual, and identify that everybody does this differently.

[10:36] -  It's important for everybody to have an opportunity to regulate.

[11:37] -  It's important to start understanding how everyone's brain works differently at an early age like kindergarten.

[13:34] -  Part of learning is just noticing things and bringing them to the attention of the students.

[14:09] -  A project they recently did is taking the social and emotional learning that they're doing at school and applying it at home.

[16:24] -  Schools have visual mediums but they don't always do a good job explicitly teaching them. Kody likes to make schedules for his neurodivergent students and teach it as a skill.

[17:35] -  Creating visuals and allowing students to have a say is a general universal strategy.

[19:31] -  Kody's goal is not to add things, but to adapt the day. 

[20:22] -  Acceptance and commitment therapy is acknowledging that challenges are going to be presented. If you're working towards your values and the things that guide you, you can't go wrong.

[22:12] -  They begin with a values assessment. Kody wants to know what's important to the student, parent, or client.

[23:41] -  Acceptance is critical for the whole piece of providing neuro-affirming care.

[24:41] -  The values define the actions that you want to take towards the commitment.

About Our Guest:

Kody Harms, M.A., BCBA, is a neuro-affirming therapist, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a master's in Special Education, he specializes in supporting the mental health of neurodiverse teens and adults, along with their families and teachers.

Kody's therapeutic approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, focusing on helping clients assess their identity, goals, and personal growth. As co-owner and clinical director at Curated Family Therapeutics, he tailors sessions to individual needs and actively supports the neurodiverse community. Outside of work, Kody enjoys yoga, concerts, and time with his family.

Connect with Kody:

• 213-340-4662

• [email protected]

• Curated Family Therapeutics

• Curated Family Therapeutics on Instagram

Links and Related Resources:

• Ep. 168: 5 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

• Ep. 120: Meeting the Needs of Culturally and Neurodiverse Students with Juniette Kanga and Maria Kennedy

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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.