Neuro-Affirming Practices for Voice Care

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to educate speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on the role of neuro-affirming care in voice and upper airway interventions. This publication provides an introduction and background for neuro-affirming care, rationale for its inclusion in the areas of voice and upper airway, current limitations in providing neuro-affirming care in traditional voice centers, and case scenarios to provide examples of neuro-affirming practices in voice interventions (Appendix B). Conclusions: Given that neurodivergence often co-occurs with myriad conditions, it is likely SLPs across scope of practice, including voice and upper airway, will encounter neurodivergent individuals with voice and communication needs and will require greater awareness of neuro-affirming care to adequately serve these populations. Descriptions of neuro-affirming care principles, limitations and adaptations needed for neuro-affirming care in traditional voice settings, and case scenarios illustrating implementation of certain principles are provided. Future directions for neuro-affirming care in voice and upper airway should include neurodivergent researchers and clinicians in the investigation and implementation of these interventions.