Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinical Care: Principles and Pearls.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Disability Studies
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Neurologic care requires understanding disability beyond biology.
• Current training lacks explicit education on disability and the neurodiversity movement.
• Lack of awareness can perpetuate ableism and harm patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of social and historical context in neurologic care.
• To introduce neurologists to the neurodiversity movement and its principles.
• To provide tools for equitable and effective neurologic care.

Main Methods:

• Overview of ableism and appropriate language use.
• Discussion of the neurodiversity movement's history and context.
• Review of neurodiversity-affirming principles and clinical practices.

Main Results:

• Ableism in neurology can negatively impact patient care.
• Neurodiversity-affirming practices enhance patient outcomes.
• Integrating social context improves the quality of neurologic services.

Conclusions:

• Neurologists must embrace a broader understanding of disability.
• Adopting neurodiversity-affirming principles is crucial for equitable care.
• This paradigm shift supports lifelong excellence in neurology.