Facing Neurotypical Normativity: An Ethical Call for Therapeutic Sensitivity to Neurodiversity

Author

Karen Irvine, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Donna Owens

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between counseling education, clinicians-in-training, and neurodivergent client populations. Arguing that there is an absence of adequate training to address the specific needs of clients with developmental disabilities, this paper introduces the term neurotypical normativity in order to delimit deeply embedded biases operating within the mental health profession. These biases generate modes of treatment that overlook emotional and relational need in favor of symptoms and behavioral management. Through the critical examination of the connection between fundamental presuppositions, education, and treatment, this paper initiates an ethical call for therapeutic sensitivity to neurodiversity.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Irvine, Karen, "Facing Neurotypical Normativity: An Ethical Call for Therapeutic Sensitivity to Neurodiversity" (2019). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 160.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/160