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6 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approach1.0 NEURODIVERSITY1.1 WHAT IS NEURODIVERSITY?The word Neurodiversity is derived from two-word parts:%u2022 %u2018Neuro%u2019 is the abbreviation for neurological which means something to do with the brainand%u2022 %u2018diversity%u2019 which means a variety or range.Neurodiversity includes the wide range of differences in the human brain, regarding how individuals process information, make sense of information and develop their knowledge and understanding. It is therefore extremely important to recognise neurodiversity when supporting individuals with their communication, learning and behaviour.There are many diagnostic labels used to describe developmental and learning differences, mental health needs, sensory processing and cognitive processing differences, some of which are illustrated in the diagram. Many of these diagnoses overlap but central to all this is the importance of the individual%u2019s needs.The clinical assessment tools and descriptions used for clinical, medical, or educational diagnostic differentiation include many negative descriptions and negative labelling. Neurodiverse affirming practice avoids such negative profiling. If every person is considered as having differences in their sensory processing, thinking, learning profile, strengths, knowledge and understanding, it would be better to use an inclusive model.