Glossary of Neurodivergent Therapy Lingo
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Understanding and Combating Ableism

Ableism, the systemic discrimination against people with disabilities, manifests in various ways, including towards those of us who are neurodivergent. 

Common Ways We Encounter Ableism with Autism, ADHD, OCD, etc.:

• Our Own Internalized ableism

•  Internalized ableism develops as a result of a society that is full of prejudice against disabilities. When we are told parts of us are not welcome, we start to believe it ourselves.

• This can be reflected in many ways including:

  • denying our neurodivergence

  • denying our needs for support

  • masking out neurodivergence

  • comparing ourselves to neurotypical people

  • placing unrealistic expectations on ourselves like “this isn’t that big of a deal, people do this all the time, you should be able to do this”

• Harmful Neurodivergent Stereotypes

• Believing neurodivergent people need to be “cured” - examples of this would be ABA therapy or pushing detoxes that promise to “cure” ADHD

• “But you don’t look/sound/act autistic.” We’re not even sure what this is supposed to mean but it’s something that autists hear often

• Workplace expectations to look and act neurotypical, and to thrive without accommodations (or so often, with counterproductive management instead of accommodations)

• Harmful language

• One pervasive form of ableism is the use of demeaning labels and harmful language, such as "high-functioning" or "low-functioning," which reduce complex individuals to simplistic categories. 

• The notion that someone becomes "more autistic" after a diagnosis is a misunderstanding; what often happens is that the individual finally feels validated and safe to unmask and embrace their authentic self.

The Harmful Effects of Ableism

Ableism doesn’t just hurt—it deeply harms. It devalues, dehumanizes, and disrespects individuals, often leading to trauma, shame, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

The persistent struggle with societal expectations can even infantilize disabled people, treating them as if they are perpetually childlike and stripping them of their autonomy, and even their choices in their own support they receive.

Steps Toward a More Inclusive Society

So, what can we do to combat ableism and support neurodiversity?

1. Be an Ally: Speak up and advocate for those affected by ableism. Your voice can challenge harmful stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

2. Support Neurodiversity: Embrace and support the neurodiversity movement, recognizing that there are many ways for the brain to develop, each with its strengths and challenges.

3. Treat Everyone with Respect: Respect and dignity should be universal. Avoid making assumptions about what someone needs or how they should act.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn more about neurodivergent conditions and autistic experiences. Understanding these perspectives can help you better empathize and support those around you.

5. Apply What You’ve Learned: Now that we’ve explored neurodiversity, it’s great to apply our lens of dignity and curiosity (instead of judgment) to other disabled folks, whether visible or invisible, just like us.

6. Encourage Authenticity: Create environments where people feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgment or consequences. Celebrate diversity and support others in embracing their true selves. You’re not just encouraging authenticity, but standing behind your commitment to being a safe space for it.