Below are topics that are central to affirming practice. Please bear with me as I refine these into assessable criteria that align with the AHpra professional competencies which come into effect in 2025.

*YOU WILL BE ASKED TO COMMENT ON EACH OF THESE TOPICS IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION. *

WE ARE LEADING THE WAY!

  1. WORKING DEFINITION OF AFFIRMING PRACTICE.

·        The checklist in NAPA. (Yael Clark, 2021.)

·        The requirements stated by the Therapist Neurodiversity Affirming Collective https://therapistndc.org/therapist-directory/

·        A Model of Neurodiversity Affirming Care for Psychologists Working with Autistic Adults (R. L. Flower, R. Jellett, S. M. Bury, R. Benn and M. Camin)

·        The Reframing Autism Guide: https://reframingautism.org.au/guidelines-for-selecting-a-neurodiversity-affirming-mental-healthcare-provider/

·        Also from Reframing Autism: Presuming competence, Depathologising Autism, Human rights, Inclusion, Intactness, Amplifying Autistic voices, Self-identification, Using respectful language and symbols.

References will be clearly listed.

2. LANGUAGE & CULTURAL NORMS OF THE AFFIRMING AUTISTIC COMMUNITY

Fine tune your report writing.

Ensure your online presence is affirming and adheres to LOAPAC definition of the NDA.

Understand the connection between identity/culture and language.

3. history, politics, & philosophy of autism

Be able to credit the Autistic scholars and advocates who came before us and built this Movement.

Demonstrate ability to describe the development of the diagnosis of autism

Be able to answer common challenges to the NDA paradigm.

6. The neuroanatomy of autistics

Brain structure and associated traits

Theories of Autistic brain development

Central Nervous System

Common conditions that Autistic people experience (e.g., EDS)

9. briefly explain why loapac psychologists :

  1. Are opposed to ABA.

  2. Do not run Social Skills Training programs that have not been developed by Autistic professionals informed by the NDA framework.

  3. Avoid using the ADOS in individuals over 8 years old who are of average or higher intelligence and able to speak.

5. lived experience

Why is lived experience so important?


What is the # that is associated with lived experience involvement and co-production in decision making and research that affects Autistics?

Name some Autistic people who have educated the wider public through entertainment, art, writing, and advocacy.

Provide several social media accounts that educate about autism in an accessible and affirming way.

4. seminal studies

As Psychologists, we are expected to have a solid evidence base for our work. EBP requires us to be informed by research, clinical experience, and community/lived experience.

Identify several seminal studies that have moved the Neurodiversity Affirming Paradigm forward.

8. TRaining

Please list training (supervision etc.) you have undertaken by Lived Experience Educators and Advocates (any aspect of the NDA framework, not just Autistic).

Please list training about the Autistic neurotype & culture you have undertaken by Lived Experience or Affirming Ally Psychologists.

7. clinical practice

How is your practice informed by the NDA paradigm?

  1. Social justice & accessibility

  2. Clinic environment

  3. Assessment

  4. Mental Health Treatment

  5. Post-identification Support

11. what fuels is your personal commitment to the nda paradigm?

10. your contribution so far…

Please list training you have provided as a Lived Experience Educator and Advocate (any aspect of the NDA framework, not just Autistic).

Please list training about the Autistic neurotype & culture you have provided as a Lived Experience or Affirming Ally Psychologist.

Please list any resources you have created and shared with colleagues and/or clients.

#starfishadvocacy is when you sprinkle affirming fairy dust around; every bit sparkles! ✨

Note: not having provided training or created resources will not preclude accreditation. This is a chance to show off your good work!