they guide what we do, why we do it and who we engage with
- We believe neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity
- “Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds, the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.” Nick Walker
- “Neurodiversity rejects the idea that autism and other neurological processing differences should be cured, and challenges the prevailing views that neurological diversity is inherently pathological.” Lyric Rivera
- “Neurodivergent, sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” Some forms of innate or largely innate neurodivergence, like autism, are intrinsic and pervasive factors in an individual’s psyche, personality, and fundamental way of relating to the world.” Nick Walker
- “Neurodivergence is a shared experience amounting to identity and culture” David Grey-Hammond
- Neurodivergence includes both innate and acquired brain differences and includes autism, ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, Dyslexia, OCD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Synesthesia, Tourette’s Syndrome and many others .
2. We believe in the social model of disability
- The social model of disability considers disability to be the result of a person’s functional limitations and the barriers they face in their environment. These barriers can be social, physical, attitudinal, or systemic. Disability is something a person experiences, not something they have.
- We reject the medical model of disability which sees something “wrong” within the individual that needs to be treated or cured.
- Many neurodivergent youth are disabled by their environments. We will strive to create accessible spaces and opportunities for all youth.
3. We use identity-first language which is the preference of the overwhelming majority of autistic people
- Autism is a neurotype and part of a person’s identity, affecting every aspect of life. We use identity first language, for example, “autistic person” rather than person first language, “person with autism”.
4. We are firmly against ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), “New” ABA, PBS (Positive Behavioural Support) and all other behavioural approaches and compliance-based therapies
- We value neurodivergent ways of being and reject all programs and service providers using approaches designed to make neurodivergent youth comply, act and behave in neurotypical ways.
- We strive to provide opportunities and activities only through venues and providers who are neuro-affirming.
- We believe compliance and behaviour based therapies and programs are highly problematic. They promote the idea that autistic children and youth need fixing and need to change in order to fit into society. We will use our voice to advocate on behalf of children and youth to end the use of ABA and associated therapies in the province of BC.
5. We are neurodivergent-led and youth-guided
- We believe neurodivergent individuals with lived experience and perspectives are best able to lead Suncoast Youth Society and to create opportunities and activities that best support and serve the needs and interests of our youth.
- We believe in empowering neurodivergent youth to guide decision-making around the opportunities and activities that will engage and support them
6. We are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, caring community for 2SLGBTQIA+ neurodivergent youth
- Neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual). We are committed to creating a safe, affirming and caring community that values individuals of all sexual orientations, romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
7. We value diversity and uniqueness
- We believe in the unconditional respect and inclusion of all people.
- We strive to build an inclusive community that embraces and values our differences in background, experiences, ways of communicating and ways of thinking.
