Honouring neurodiversity with care, respect and curiosity

At The Flourish Collective, we believe that neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of human diversity - not something to be “fixed” or “managed.”

Neuroaffirming care means creating space for people to show up exactly as they are and providing support that honours each individual’s neurotype, sensory needs, communication style and lived experience, regardless of being neurotypical or neurodivergent.

What is Neuroaffirming Practice?

Green and dark green vertical striped pattern.
Two children's books, one titled "Listening to My Body" by Gabi Garcia and the other with a colorful abstract cover, leaning against a wall on a white surface, with a wooden rainbow stacker in front.
A cute cartoon bee with pink wings flying near a pink dashed line trail on a black background.

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Care

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Respect

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Curiosity

· Care · Respect · Curiosity

Our Approach to Neuroaffirming Practice specifically for neurodivergent people

We understand that for many neurodivergent individuals, traditional models of care can feel invalidating, overwhelming or rooted in pressure to “mask” or conform. At Flourish, we do things differently.

Our neuroaffirming practice:

  • A person with dark skin wearing a striped apron holds a ball of dough in their hands in a kitchen or bakery setting, with various baking ingredients and tools nearby.

    Rejects Deficit-Based Models

    We don’t view neurodivergence as a disorder or problem to be corrected.

    Instead, we recognise and respect the whole person and the strengths, needs and challenges that come with different neurotypes.

  • Children and an adult gardening together in a lush outdoor setting with various plants and flowers.

    Seeks Understanding, Not Compliance

    Our goal is not to “correct behaviour,” but to understand what’s underneath it.

    We value open, respectful communication and work with individuals (and their families, where relevant) to explore what works best for them. 

    For example, we do not do social skills training but rather seek to understand what authentically feels right socially for each individual and help people and their support networks to be able to self-advocate for their needs and prioritise their authentic way of being in the world

  • Children playing together covered in pink and green paint, smiling and raising their arms in celebration.

    Prioritises Co-Regulation, <br/> Curiosity and Connection

    Emotional and energy safety as well as relational trust come first.

    We support people by meeting them where they are, and by creating environments that invite regulation, exploration and agency.

    We believe connection is the foundation of growth alongside autonomy - not compliance.

Why Neuroaffirming Care Matters

Neuroaffirming care recognises the harm that can come from pathologising differences.

Instead of asking neurodivergent people to change to fit the world, we ask: How can the world, including our services, change to better support you?

By creating spaces where neurodivergent people are seen, heard and valued, we support:

  • Greater mental health and wellbeing

  • Increased self-understanding and self-advocacy

  • Strengthened identity and resilience

  • More sustainable, individualised support

  • A sense of connection and belonging

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, a parent or carer, or simply looking for care that aligns with inclusive values, you are welcome here. 

Let’s work together to build a world where everyone gets to flourish - exactly as they are.

A child's abstract watercolor painting surrounded by bottles of ink and a tray with additional ink bottles on a black surface, the artwork was created as part of a session at the Flourish Collective.
Cartoon bee with yellow and black stripes, pink wings and a pink heart-shaped stinger, flying next to a pink dotted line showing its flight path.