Neurodiversity and Non-Verbal Norms in a World Designed for the Majority

Abstract

Neurodivergent people experience constant systemic oppression and discrimination that causes trauma. Our current neuro-normative society benefits those who are considered “normal” and harms those who are considered “abnormal.” Neurodivergent counselors also experience discrimination within the world of counselor education. This chapter highlights the importance of increasing neurodiversity-affirming counselor education and provides concrete strategies to do so. Actionable steps include counselor educators' self-reflection on biases, putting neurodiversity-affirming strategies into practice in the classroom, and reassessing the criteria used to evaluate counselor-in-training performance. Specific examples are demonstrated in a case study of a neurodivergent counselor-in-training providing services for a neurodivergent client. A paradigm shift to be neurodiversity-affirming in counselor education practices is crucial for promoting trauma-informed gatekeeping in the counseling world.