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7 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication ApproachThe term neurodivergent has been adopted to describe an individual. The diagram above illustrates how the wide range of often overlapping medical and learning differences involve individuals with their unique needs. However, due to their overlapping nature, there are common areas of support. If three of the diagnostic labels are taken as examples; Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (as listed in DSM_5) but known as Autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), it is possible to see how there are common areas of support.Neurodiverse Affirming LanguageA neurodiverse-friendly approach moves away from reference to disorders and replaces this with %u2018differences%u2019. It is important to avoid negative language and use neurodiverse affirming language showing acceptance and understanding of difference. Using negative terminology can impact negatively on a child or young person%u2019s self-esteem and social and emotional well-being.This paragraph describes a young person with a diagnosis of ADHD. %u2018X has challenging and unpredictable behaviour. They move around, are on the go and this is relentless. They are loud and it is difficult to stop them tapping the desk. X is underachieving at school as they are unfocused and are lazy as they can do so much more work.%u2019If the following labels are used to describe a child or young person with attention needs, this is highly likely to have a detrimental impact on their development.