**7. A neurodiversity-affirming professional and ally**

Neurodivergent people and professional allies are engaged in thought and debate about how to evolve mindsets and practice, reflecting on how neurotypical people can work positively in partnership with neurodivergent friends, family, and people at work and in our community. We propose that a neurodiversity-affirming approach:


*Perspective Chapter: Rethinking Autism Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108784*


### **8. Conclusion**

We conclude this chapter on a hopeful note. The neurodiversity paradigm is here to stay and we have foundations to build upon, to develop an evidence base led by and developed with the autistic and neurodivergent community. Researchers and practitioners have reported a range of elements core to neurodiversity-affirming practice. There is a real desire for change and a need for practical, evidence-informed guidance, tools, and resources for students, new practitioners, and people in leadership roles. By thinking in a neurodevelopmentally informed way, individuals of all ages, with all neurotypes can be better understood and many adjustments could become second nature. The complex shift from single-condition approaches to neurodevelopmental pathways is happening and is only possible because it is built upon several decades of evolution in how we think about and understand autism and other neurodevelopmental differences from the medical, social, and neurodiversity perspectives.

#### **Acknowledgements**

The authors are members of the National Autism Implementation team, funded by the Scottish Government. We would like to acknowledge the whole team and autistic, non-autistic and people of all neurotypes who we work alongside, who support and challenge us, and who are passionate about improving experiences of neurodivergent people now and in the future.

## **Conflict of interest**

The authors declare no conflict of interest.
