Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinical Care: Principles and Pearls

Abstract

To provide the best possible care, neurologists must have a thorough understanding of the social and historical context of disability. Knowledge of the biology of neurologic conditions alone is insufficient. Currently, there is a scarcity of explicit education and training on disability beyond the traditional medical lens. Additionally, neurologists may be unfamiliar with the neurodiversity movement and its principles. This lack of awareness may inadvertently perpetuate ableist perspectives and practices, resulting in harm for our patients. In this article, we provide an overview of ableism and language-use considerations. We also discuss the history and current context of the neurodiversity movement and review neurodiversity-affirming core principles and clinical practices. This article offers perspective on an important shift in paradigms of the brain, as well as tools that can be used for a career-long commitment to excellent and equitable neurologic care.