As we celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, it's important to recognize and appreciate the strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our communities.
This week serves as a reminder of our commitment to providing inclusive and effective care for all patients. When caring for neurodivergent patients, it's important for nurses to use an empathetic approach to recognize their unique needs. Neurodivergence includes autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and more, each showing up differently in every person. Here’s how you can incorporate CNO’s Code of Conduct and a checklist to provide safe and effective care.
Principle 1: Nurses respect client’s dignity
- Personalized care: Tailor your approach to each patient's unique needs and preferences. For example, if a patient prefers written instructions over verbal communication, provide them with clear, written guidance.
- Empathy and understanding: Show empathy and understanding towards neurodivergent patients by acknowledging their unique needs and providing support that respects their dignity.
Principle 2: Nurses provide inclusive and culturally safe care by practicing cultural humility
- Self-reflection: Identify your own privileges, biases and assumptions that could impact the care you provide. For example, reflect on how societal norms may shape your understanding of neurodiversity and actively work to overcome stereotypes.
- Create safer health care experiences: Recognize that neurodivergence is part of the spectrum of human diversity. Actively listen to patients to fully understand their lived experiences and work collaboratively to help them achieve their health goals in a way that respects their autonomy and individuality.
- Continuous education: Engage in continuous training and education to stay updated on best practices for neurodivergent care, ensuring that you can provide inclusive care and the most effective support.
Principle 3: Nurses provide safe and competent care
- Competence and safety: ensure you operate within the limits of your legal scope of practice, knowledge and skills when addressing the specific needs of neurodivergent patients. For example, recognize when specialized support is needed and refer patients to appropriate professionals if care exceeds your expertise or competencies.
- Evidence-based practice: Seek out the best available evidence and research to guide your care of neurodivergent patients, ensuring your practices align with the latest understanding of neurodiversity and inclusive health care.
- Accessible care: Be responsive and available to neurodivergent patients, giving timely care tailored to their needs. Modify care plans based on input from them and their families, tailoring care to meet unique sensory, emotional, or communication preferences. Clearly explain any delays or changes in care plans, addressing potential anxieties with compassion and understanding.
Principle 4: Nurses work respectfully with the health care team to best meet clients’ needs
- Team collaboration: Foster a respectful and collaborative environment among colleagues to ensure that the patient's needs are met effectively. This includes sharing insights and strategies for providing better care.
- Respectful communication: Communicate respectfully with colleagues, valuing their input and expertise in providing care to neurodivergent patients.
Principle 5: Nurses act with integrity in clients’ best interest
- Honesty and integrity: Always act with honesty and integrity in your interactions with neurodivergent patients. This includes being truthful about treatment options and respecting their choices.
- Professional boundaries: Establish and maintain clear professional boundaries to foster a nurse-client relationship built on trust. This ensures neurodivergent patients feel respected and supported, free from any form of exploitation or harm.
- Ethical practice: Uphold ethical standards in your practice, ensuring that the care provided is in the best interest of the patient.
Principle 6: Nurses maintain public confidence in the nursing profession
- Professionalism: Demonstrate professionalism by treating patients and colleagues with respect. For neurodivergent patients, this means creating an environment that upholds dignity and fosters positive experiences in health care.
- Continuous learning: Engage in training to enhance your competence in providing culturally safe and inclusive care for neurodiverse patients.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of neurodivergent patients, ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve.
Checklist for providing neurodivergent care
✓ Assess and document communication preferences and sensory sensitivities.
✓ Create a sensory-friendly space by reducing noise, dimming lights and eliminating strong odors.
✓ Use clear, simple language and confirm understanding by having patients restate instructions.
✓ Allow extra time for appointments and be flexible with scheduling.
✓ Regularly seek feedback from patients and their support networks to improve care practices.
✓ Involve family or caregivers in discussions to inform care plans.
✓ Maintain a consistent routine and inform patients of any changes in advance.
✓ Use visual aids like charts, diagrams and written instructions to support verbal communication.
Providing safe and effective care to neurodivergent patients is not only about providing treatment but also about building trust and understanding. By following the Code of Conduct, nurses can ensure that neurodivergent patients receive the thoughtful and personalized care expected by all patients.