Affirming Neurodivergence with Naureen Hunani
Naureen Hunani on how the diversity of the human brain, and shifting from shame, to affirmation.
In this episode, Naureen discusses Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence and The Neurodiversity Movement/Paradigm and how they differ from each other, how generalising and stereotypes are unhelpful, why we need to consider all underlying challenges for neurodivergent people when it comes to food, eating and their body, the power of social media and expertise by lived experience for the neurodivergent community, what screening can look like and how dominate autonomic responses can show up for neurodivergent children.
Here Fi and Naureen chat about;
- ‘A week in the Life of Naureen’; what it encompasses and how Naureen has honoured herself and her own neurodivergence through the type of work she engages in.
- Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence and The Neurodiversity Movement/Paradigm; Naureen steps us through each term and how they differentiate.
- The importance of not applying generalisations and stereotypes when working with neurodivergent people.
- What can show up for neurodivergent people which can impact their capacity around food, eating and their body.
- Why it’s imperative to look at and consider all the underlying challenges that neurodivergent people face when it comes to living in a body and living in a world where their bodies are constantly violated.
- How social media has been a powerful tool for the neurodivergent community and why we need to centre and elevate expertise by lived experience.
- Patterns of food related trauma that can show up for neurodivergent people.
- What screening looks like and the importance of understanding that these behaviours can often show up before a diagnosis.
- Flight, Fright, Freeze and Fawn; how these responses can show up for neurodivergent children and why more therapies need to centre consent.
- More about the courses Naureen has developed and where you can find them!
About Naureen:
Naureen Hunani is a Neurodivergent registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience. In her private practice, she treats children and families struggling with various feeding challenges through a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach.
She is particularly interested in the intersection of neurodivergence and feeding differences. Naureen is the founder of RDs for Neurodiversity, an online education platform for RDs and helping professionals.
She has had the privilege of sharing her knowledge and expertise at multiple national and international conferences. She is passionate about supporting pro-justice, HAES®-aligned professionals who are striving to build liberatory practices.
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