Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges the diversity of human brains and minds. It recognizes that people experience the world in various ways, and that these differences should be embraced. Harvard health describes Neurodiversity as “the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”
While the term Neurodivergence is often associated with the Autism community, it actually includes individuals with a variety of neurological differences.
Not all Neurodivergent individuals benefit from a service dog, however, for those who do, a service dog can be life changing. Incorporating strategies to support Neurodivergent service dog handlers can help enhance their success with their dogs.
- Use the language the individual prefers: Many members of the Autism community prefer identity-first language, rather than person-first. Identity-first language simply involves saying the condition first, such as “Autistic person” or “Disabled person.” Person-first language is the opposite: “Person with a Disability” or “Person with Parkinson’s disease,” for example. It is always best to check first if you are unsure, so you can use the language your client prefers.
- Clear communication: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. For instance, say “We will give the dog treats when the dog does the behavior we want” rather than “We use positive training methods.” Provide visual aids or written instructions to support verbal communication. Be aware that some clients may be more comfortable communicating in writing. Expressing openness to email or text communication may help those clients meet their communication needs and get their training questions answered in the way that works best for them.
- Sensory considerations: Make adjustments to the training environment as needed. For example, students with sound sensitivities may especially benefit from learning strategies to reduce their dog’s barking in group classes. When selecting public access training locations, consider both where the client and the dog will be successful. Some large department stores offer sensory-friendly hours that may be good locations to begin public access training. When you need to work with the team in more complex environments, consider strategies such as identifying quiet, low-stimulus areas nearby where the team can take breaks.
- Setting expectations: Some clients may feel anxious or uncertain when entering new settings or situations. Including photos of your training space and short video demonstrations of a training session can help clients feel more comfortable. You can also consider a brief video tour of your training facility that takes the audience from the parking lot all the way through the building.
- Flexibility: A wide range of scheduling options can help clients who learn best at particular times. Also, offering both group and private training can help clients who prefer one format over another.
- Clarity: Some individuals may benefit from having very clear, structured plans. For instance, if you are recommending training practice and environmental enrichment, be very specific about how long you want them to practice, when they should do it, which skills they should work on and exactly which enrichment activities they should do. A written schedule may be even better.
- Avoid assumptions: Given the differences within the Neurodivergent community, dog trainers will need to engage in open dialogue and collaborate with clients to identify solutions that best support their unique circumstances, rather than guessing or making assumptions.
Most of these strategies, like many accommodations for clients with other conditions, end up being helpful for all of your clients. By better understanding the needs of your Neurodivergent clients, you can help each of your clients be successful in working with their dogs.
Special thanks to Dianne Keck, KPA-CTP, FFCP, SDC of TheNeurodog for her feedback for this blog.
