Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Speech and Language Therapists

Ruth Jones is a highly specialist speech and language therapist. She works primarily with neurodivergent children and young people, and those who require additional support to access meaningful opportunities and their education. Ruth believes in child-led and neurodiversity-informed practice and her core values are around acceptance, curiosity and connection.

• AcknowledgementsContributorsPositionality StatementGlossaryChapter 1 – The ContextChapter 2 - Integrating Intersectionality: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Speech and Language TherapyFatimah Bint-Hanif and Kate BootChapter 3 – Neurodiversity NowChapter 4 – Our Learning ProcessChapter 5 – Putting it into PracticeChapter 6 – Expressive CommunicationChapter 7 – Social CommunicationChapter 8 - Relationships and Sex Education – A Speech and Language Therapist's RoleKate BootChapter 9 – Flipping the Narrative on BehaviourChapter 10 – Reflective PracticeReading ListIndex

"The more I read, the more excited I was! The book is written in an easy-to-read way with a mix of expertise and a humble approach. Ruth is constantly reflecting and this dedication to always ‘do better’ is evident in the discussions and information she shares. The anecdotes, reflective prompts and personal perspectives make for an engaging book. This is a must-read for all speech therapists who want to ensure they are doing the best they can to be neurodiversity-affirming." - Rebecca Duffus, Specialist Autism Teacher and Consultant"It is vital that speech and language therapists reflect on our work and reconsider practices that autistic voices inform us do not respect their communication culture. This is the perfect book to accompany this work. Ruth’s approach is generous and empathic, allowing for the difficult feelings that may arise from this work, but inspiring us to keep on going. Ruth brings in voices of ND colleagues to share their lived experiences, and it is this content of the book which holds incredible power. This book asks us to consider all aspects of our work, from the university syllabi to what we should value in evidence-based practice, from our admin processes to how we set up our therapy space, from how we consider the whole person’s needs in our assessment to how we develop respectful and relevant therapy goals. This is an opportunity for us to do better. To resist this work threatens the validity of our profession." - Ali Battye, Speech and Language Therapist"Ruth has written a much needed addition to any Speech and Language Therapy library. She writes with warmth, openness and honesty, offering an invitation to explore our practices, ask questions and reflect on how we work. Alongside her co-contributors (Harriet, Kate and Fatima), Ruth weaves together current research and literature, personal experiences and neurodivergent voices. The result is an informative and supportive opportunity for all Speech and Language Therapists - regardless of role or stage of career - to grow towards a commitment to neurodiversity affirming practice." - Anna Westaway, NHS Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist"This book is a valuable resource for speech therapists committed to neurodiversity affirming practice, or those just beginning their journey. Built on thoughtful collaboration and contributions from neurodivergent SLTs with lived experience, it delivers clear examples and intersectional insights that are both practical and powerful. This book has the potential to shift mindsets, drive change, and help create a field where inclusion and deep understanding of neurodivergent people becomes the new standard." - Adina Levy, AuDHDer, Speech Therapist, Professional Educator, Play. Learn. Chat."This book is a well-researched and thought-provoking exploration of neurodiversity-affirming practices in speech and language therapy. Across its chapters, Ruth provides informative and sensitive insights into key topics such as ableism, intersectionality, and the neurodiversity paradigm. She offers a rich and dynamic approach to transforming practices to be actively anti-ableist and neurodiversity-informed, while thoughtfully addressing important nuances such as racialised identity, gender, and sexual orientation. Ruth incorporates contributions from a diverse range of voices, showing deep regard for lived experiences alongside evidence-based practice. This book feels like an important step in dismantling current harmful systems and is a call to action for compassionate change." - Kerry Murphy, Early Childhood and Neurodiversity Specialist. Goldsmiths University, London."Ruth has written the book that our profession so urgently needs at a time when so much change is occurring. It challenges speech and language therapists to critically examine past and present practice through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. By listening to neuro divergent voices, lived experience and viewing our systems through an intersectional lens, Ruth and her collaborator’s push us to listen, reflect, and ultimately transform how we work—not just with neurodivergent children and adults, but with all those we support.This is essential reading for every SLT, from students to experienced SLTs . It’s a call to action, a challenge to do better, and a roadmap for embedding neurodiversity-affirming principles into every aspect of our work. An ongoing learning journey ……." - Cathy Shilling, Independent Speech and Language Therapist, Director of Johansen IAS UK and Ireland