Beyond awareness: Neuroaffirmative practice in MSK care

Neurodivergent people are already using MSK, rehabilitation, fitness and movement-based services, whether or not clinicians are aware of a diagnosis. Yet everyday aspects of healthcare, from how appointments are structured and information is communicated to the sensory environment and expectations around engagement, can create unintended barriers.

This panel brings together neurodivergent clinicians and practitioners with experience across occupational therapy, osteopathy, fitness and strength coaching. Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience, they will explore what neuroaffirmative practice means in everyday MSK care and why it matters.

The discussion will consider how differences in communication, sensory experience and information processing can influence healthcare interactions, including assessment, treatment planning and engagement. Rather than offering a checklist for all the individual neurotypes, the panel will explore how clinicians can remain curious about individual needs, recognise assumptions within existing ways of working and make practical adjustments without lowering expectations or compromising clinical reasoning.

Through discussion and practical examples, attendees will hear about realistic changes that can be incorporated into everyday practice. The panel will also consider how more flexible and accessible approaches can improve healthcare experiences more widely, including for people who do not have a diagnosis or may not identify as neurodivergent.

In keeping with the focus on accessible participation, attendees will be invited to submit questions in advance, with selected questions displayed on screen and used to shape the panel discussion.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the core principles of neuroaffirmative practice and their relevance to MSK care.
• Identify ways that routine healthcare practices and assumptions may unintentionally create barriers.
• Reflect on how curiosity about individual needs can support clinical reasoning and engagement.
• Identify practical adjustments to communication, the clinical environment and ways of working that could be applied within their own practice or service.