Functioning labels are so focused on productivity that they overlook the most important question: What do you need support with?

Needs are individual. People with the same disability don't always benefit from the same accommodations or support measures. Thread 1/

Our needs are the end result from the interaction between core traits, co-occuring issues and coping mechanisms. They're also different depending on our cultural, political, socioeconomic, and racial background. There's no simplifying that.

Functioning labels are particularly harmful for those who suffer systematic oppression. That's why racialized and poor people are more likely to get a low functioning label, or be deemed problematic. This is why disability should always be addressed as an intersectional issue. 3/

So, what should we assess in someone in order to give them the support they need?

First of all, listen to several people with the same disabilities to know what are the most common struggles, and what support has been helpful to them. Learn as much as you can. 4/

Second, make a thorough assessment. Many neurodivergent people have more than more condition at the same time. Some might be diagnosed with dyslexia, but also have undiagnosed ADHD, autism, OCD, etc. When they co-occur they can camouflage each other and be harder to spot. 5/

Third, pay attention to coping mechanisms and mental health issues. Anxiety is a common coping mechanism, which can be detrimental on the long run. Depression and (c)PTSD are common. These will shape the kind of support they need, even if they don't fit the diagnostic criteria 6/

Fourth, make a thorough evaluation and pinpoint the most impairing items.

Younger people usually struggle more with core traits. Measures should be directed at helping them deal in a healthy way and preventing them from having debilitating consequences on the long run. 7/

The older people go undiagnosed, the more frequent it is to see anxiety, depression and (c)PTSD as the most impairing items. Core traits will remain, dealt with at some capacity, making things worse. This scenario si harder to assess, hence why early intervention is essential. 8/

Many of these measures require individual and social support. As long as society keeps disregarding this and forcing people to assimilate instead of embracing diversity following the social model of disability, neurodivergent people will keep suffering the consequences. 9/

This is a very general overview, feel free to add to it.

And remember, functioning labels are detrimental to everyone, both "high" and" low" functioning groups. 10/10

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