The metaphor I like to use when talking about trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care relates to biodiversity. Specifically, "you can't turn an apple tree into a cherry tree." 

 

Previous philosophies of therapy that were not neurodiversity-affirming or trauma-informed focused on changing the child and the family to make them more "neurotypical." We know now the goal is not to change the child, but to help them thrive in an environment that may not be set up for them. 

 

When we meet a child, we do not know who exactly they are going to be. The seed is planted and they are growing, but we cannot see the fruit yet, unless we help them to thrive. 

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As clinicians, we have the privilege to learn from a child and family about who they want to be and to work to understand them. 

 

The roots of the tree I deem a child's genetics, medical etiologies, their individual differences. We have to work to understand the roots to develop the best plan of care for them. 

 

The rings of the tree, although we cannot see them, are their past experiences and trauma. No child or family owes us their story, but we need to assume trauma has occurred when working with the children we work with. ​​

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We also know that every tree needs different sunlight, water, fertilizer to thrive. Our job is then to figure out what support and accommodations a child needs to interact in the world the way they want to. It is with this support that the child can grow into their authentic self.