Neurodiversity-affirming practice – Exploring the knowledge and perspectives of Australian speech pathologists
Tracks
7
Across the lifespan
ADHD
Assessment
Autism (ASD)
Communication difference
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Disability
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)
Innovative practice
Neurodiversity
Social communication
| Saturday, June 14, 2025 |
| 2:45 PM - 2:55 PM |
| Knowledge Hub | Halls MNO, Ground Level |
Overview
Stephanie Weir and Hannah Stark
Details
⏫ Rapid impact
⏲️ 2.45pm - 2.55pm
⌛10-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)
⏲️ 2.45pm - 2.55pm
⌛10-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)
Presenter
Ms Stephanie Weir
Scope & University of Melbourne
Neurodiversity-affirming practice – Exploring the knowledge and perspectives of Australian speech pathologists
2:45 PM - 2:55 PMPresentation summary
A philosophical shift towards inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming practice in speech pathology has been underway for several years. However, understanding how to plan and implement assessment and intervention that reflects the principles and values of the neurodiversity movement, while also meeting professional imperatives of evidence-based practice, currently presents a challenge for many speech pathologists in Australia.
This presentation will discuss the results of a neurodivergent-led research project, which aimed to explore how evolving understandings of neurodiversity are shaping the work of Australian speech pathologists. Through a mixed methods approach, 137 professionals provided insights into how they currently conceptualise neurodiversity, their self-reported confidence to enact inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, where they are accessing practice guidance, and what they believe are the factors that currently enable or challenge a profession-wide shift towards neurodiversity-affirming principles and practices. Emerging and ongoing challenges and opportunities for the speech pathology profession highlighted by the results of this research will be discussed, as well as the broader implications for tertiary speech pathology education, continuing professional development, and workplaces aiming to support allied health professionals in the implementation of neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Speech pathologists have an important role to play in promoting the inclusion and support of diverse communication amongst health professionals and within communities. With a focus on the nature of relationships, communication, and interaction, shifting practice in speech pathology beyond the use of buzz words to be authentically and deeply neurodiversity-affirming is an important objective in the pursuit of a broader societal shift towards neurodiversity inclusion. As such, it is critical that we start to explore the resources, guidance and knowledge that would continue to support professionals in this work.
This presentation will discuss the results of a neurodivergent-led research project, which aimed to explore how evolving understandings of neurodiversity are shaping the work of Australian speech pathologists. Through a mixed methods approach, 137 professionals provided insights into how they currently conceptualise neurodiversity, their self-reported confidence to enact inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, where they are accessing practice guidance, and what they believe are the factors that currently enable or challenge a profession-wide shift towards neurodiversity-affirming principles and practices. Emerging and ongoing challenges and opportunities for the speech pathology profession highlighted by the results of this research will be discussed, as well as the broader implications for tertiary speech pathology education, continuing professional development, and workplaces aiming to support allied health professionals in the implementation of neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Speech pathologists have an important role to play in promoting the inclusion and support of diverse communication amongst health professionals and within communities. With a focus on the nature of relationships, communication, and interaction, shifting practice in speech pathology beyond the use of buzz words to be authentically and deeply neurodiversity-affirming is an important objective in the pursuit of a broader societal shift towards neurodiversity inclusion. As such, it is critical that we start to explore the resources, guidance and knowledge that would continue to support professionals in this work.
Refrences
Constantino, C. D. (2018). What can stutterers learn from the neurodiversity movement? Seminars in Speech and Language, 39(4), 382–396.
DeThorne, L. S. & Gerlach-Houck, H. (2023). Resisting ableism in school-based speech-language therapy: An invitation to change. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 54, 1–7.
Gaddy, C. & Crow, H. (2023). A primer on neurodiversity-affirming speech and language services for autistic individuals. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 8, 1220-1237.
Hobson, H. & Lee, A. (2022). Camouflaging in Developmental Language Disorder: The views of speech and language pathologists and parents. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 44(4), 247-256.
Leadbitter, K., Buckle, K. L., Ellis, C. & Dekker, M. (2021). Autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement: Implications for autism early intervention research and practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635690.
DeThorne, L. S. & Gerlach-Houck, H. (2023). Resisting ableism in school-based speech-language therapy: An invitation to change. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 54, 1–7.
Gaddy, C. & Crow, H. (2023). A primer on neurodiversity-affirming speech and language services for autistic individuals. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 8, 1220-1237.
Hobson, H. & Lee, A. (2022). Camouflaging in Developmental Language Disorder: The views of speech and language pathologists and parents. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 44(4), 247-256.
Leadbitter, K., Buckle, K. L., Ellis, C. & Dekker, M. (2021). Autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement: Implications for autism early intervention research and practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635690.
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Stephanie is a speech pathologist with Scope Australia and researcher in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne. Stephanie has worked in disability and education services for over 15 years, across support, clinical and academic roles. In her research, Stephanie is interested in exploring the paradigms and drivers of speech pathology practice and education, with a focus on the authentic integration of lived experience knowledge. Stephanie is currently in the final year of her PhD candidature, exploring how the international human rights framework can be applied to the work of speech pathologists.
Hannah Stark
Neurodiversity-affirming practice – Exploring the knowledge and perspectives of Australian speech pathologists
2:45 PM - 2:55 PM**********
The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.
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Important Notice, please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ("the Association"). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this presentation. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this presentation including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this presentation.
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