Abstract

In this episode of The Portal Podcast, hosts Dr Lesley Deacon and Professor Sarah Lonbay reflect on Series 4, which focused on neurodiversity in social work. Drawing on conversations with a range of guests, they explore key themes including the centrality of lived experience, challenging deficit-based and pathologising models of autism, and the importance of person-centred approaches.

They discuss how neurodivergent voices should be central in research, practice, and service design. The episode critiques outdated models that frame autism as a deficit, advocating instead for strengths-based and affirming approaches.

Other themes include the link between systemic misunderstanding and trauma, the need for curiosity rather than risk-driven assessments, and the importance of trust-building, follow-through, and allowing processing time. They emphasise that difference should not be seen as a problem, and social workers should focus on truly seeing and valuing the individual in front of them, rather than forcing conformity to rigid systems.

The hosts also highlight metaphors used by guests, such as communication as a “different language” needing translation, and introduce the concept of “community assessment” as a way of understanding individuals within their social context.