Neurodiversity in Promoting the Well-Being of Children on the Autism Spectrum

ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by differences in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests [American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders]. The prevalence rate of autism has increased in recent years, now occurring in 1 in 44 children in the United States [Maenner et al. (2021). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2018. Surveillance Summaries, 70(11), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7011a1 ]. As more children are identified as autistic, more healthcare and educational professionals are involved in the care of these unique individuals. Understanding the challenges, as well as the strengths, of individuals on the autism spectrum is paramount to promoting the well-being of these children. One framework that aids in better understanding and supporting autistic individuals is the neurodiversity paradigm. The purpose of this practitioner review is to: (1) provide a broad overview of the tenets of the neurodiversity paradigm and (2) provide recommendations for neurodiversity affirming service provision.