In this podcast episode, Jude and I speak about the importance of considering neurodiversity, and neurodivergence, as a feature of the hard wiring of the system and not as a Part.
Core Points:
Neurodiversity is a natural variation in human minds; it’s not a part within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.
Neurodivergence significantly deviates from societal norms of cognitive functioning; this norm is a construct and changes over time.
Several conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella (ADHD, autism, OCD, dyslexia, etc.), but this list is constantly expanding.
Labelling neurodivergence as an “IFS part” is problematic; it implies a fixable problem rather than a fundamental aspect of the individual’s system.
Therapists should approach discussions of neurodivergence with curiosity, not correction.
Clients’ language about their neurodivergence might reflect societal burdens; therapists should explore this through compassionate inquiry.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiversity
The hosts introduce the podcast and set the stage for a discussion on neurodiversity from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, highlighting the importance of understanding different cognitive functioning.
00:30 Understanding Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
The conversation delves into the definitions of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, explaining how these concepts relate to societal norms and the diversity of human minds.
03:00 The Expanding Umbrella of Neurodivergence
The hosts explore various forms of neurodivergence, discussing how conditions like OCD and hypermobility fit under the neurodivergent umbrella, and the evolving nature of these definitions.
06:00 The Importance of Personal Experience
The hosts reflect on their own experiences within the neurodivergent community, emphasising the significance of personal narratives and biases in understanding neurodiversity.
08:00 Common Neurodivergent Conditions
A list of well-known neurodivergent conditions is presented, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others, while acknowledging the growing recognition of diverse experiences within this spectrum.
11:00 Neurodiversity in Therapy
The hosts discuss a chapter from a book on integrating IFS with neurodivergent clients, highlighting the importance of understanding neurodivergence as a fundamental aspect rather than a part of the self.
14:00 Neurodivergence vs. Parts in IFS
The conversation shifts to the distinction between neurodivergence and IFS parts, exploring the implications of labelling neurodivergent traits as ‘parts’ and the potential therapeutic pitfalls of this approach.
20:00 Compassion and Understanding in Therapy
The hosts emphasise the need for compassion towards neurodivergent experiences, discussing how therapists can support clients in understanding their neurodivergence as a feature of their system.
25:00 Curiosity in Therapeutic Conversations
The importance of curiosity in therapy is highlighted, with the hosts discussing how therapists can navigate conversations about neurodivergence without imposing their interpretations on clients.
