What does it mean to provide truly neuroaffirming care, and why does it matter in healthcare?
In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Elyse and Nadine are joined by Amy Hall, Behaviour Support Practitioner, clinical supervisor and founder of Banksia Support Services. Amy brings both professional expertise and lived experience as an Autistic woman with ADHD and an acquired brain injury, as well as a parent of Autistic children.
Together, they explore the concepts of neurodivergence, neurodiversity and neuroaffirming care, and discuss why understanding these ideas is essential for healthcare professionals. Amy shares her personal experiences navigating healthcare environments, including procedural and theatre settings, highlighting both the barriers she has encountered and the moments when care teams got it right.
The conversation also focuses on practical strategies healthcare professionals can use to create more inclusive, supportive and person-centred experiences for neurodivergent patients.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The difference between neurodivergence and neurodiversity
- What neuroaffirming care means in practice
- Why these concepts matter in healthcare
- Navigating healthcare as a neurodivergent person
- Experiences of theatre and procedural care
- Common challenges faced by neurodivergent patients
- Examples of care that made a positive difference
- Practical strategies for perioperative nurses and healthcare professionals
- Creating more inclusive healthcare environments
Whether you're a perioperative nurse, healthcare professional or simply interested in delivering more inclusive care, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical actions that can improve healthcare experiences for neurodivergent people.
