LOAPAC PSYCHOLOGISTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE DEEPLY EXPLORED THE TOPICS BELOW.
THE TOPICS BELOW ADDRESS THE THEORETICAL UNDERPINNINGS AND THE CLINICAL PRACTICE ASPECTS OF NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING PSYCHOLOGY. IN THE COMING WEEKS, THESE WILL BE RE-WRITTEN TO ALIGN WITH THE NEW PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS THAT WERE RELEASED 7/8/24 AND COME INTO EFFECT DEC 2025.
anti-oppression stance & affirming practice.
This fundamental commitment underlies the social justice agenda that is the NDA Movement. Open yourself to the discomforting awareness that we all benefit from and perpetuate the systems of oppression. Explore how Psychology has colonised mental health. Consider how we can dismantle this eurocentrism as Psychologists.
2. WORKING DEFINITION OF AFFIRMING PRACTICE.
We need a firm foundation to underpin our work.
3. LANGUAGE & CULTURAL NORMS OF THE AFFIRMING AUTISTIC COMMUNITY
Understanding the cultural identity that identification as Autistic can bring, has huge potential to improve wellbeing. Buzzwords can be performative or they can signify culture; you need to know the terms, their connotations and their usefulness. Language matters.
6. the role of lived experience
What does the hashtag #nothingaboutuswithoutus mean to you?
10. identify practices that might raise concern for affirming psychologists
This is the next step in our industry: sorting out the performative from the authentic.
4. history, politics, & philosophy of autism
This knowledge will help you counter criticisms of the NDA Movement by showing the flaws and myths on which the medical model is founded.
7. The neurology of autism
Helping our clients understand their neurology will lead them to self-acceptance, self-compassion, and individualised accommodations and adjustments. Clinicians should have a working understanding of the neuroanatomical features of Autistic brains (e.g., hypo/hyperconnectivity).
Understanding this guides the development of our supports and recommendations.
5. seminal theories & studies
We stand on the shoulders of giants. Know and appreciate who paved the way for today’s affirming movement. Humility!
Be able to provide a strong theoretical basis for your work.
9. TRaining
Who have you learned from? What books have you read? This is your space to list all your sources of knowledge and the people who helped you grow.
12. what fuels is your personal commitment to the nda paradigm?
8. clinical practice
Affirming clinical practice should flow organically from your understanding of Autistic needs. We consider physical environment, of course, but there is more. From intake to closure, how is your clinical practice affirming?
Assessment
Support
Therapy
11. your involvement so far…
Are you a member of NAPA? If so, since when? Have you attended any affirming community events? (e.g., YLB.) Do you provide training, supervision, groups?