PRACTICING NEUROINCLUSIVE LISTENING

The bedrock of any communication consists of patience, understanding, and empathy. Given that all of us are unique in how we process information and engage with each other, what works for one individual when it comes to communication may not work for another.

Safe and non-judgmental spaces where people feel comfortable expressing themselves, are open with their emotions, and are able to courageously voice out their opinions are fostered in environments where neuroinclusive listening is promoted. Neuroinclusive listening is a crucial skill that involves being attentive and respectful to individuals with various neurological differences.

Here are 8 Listening tips to promote a more neuroinclusive environment:

1. Remember the Platinum Rule - “do unto others how others would want done unto them.” Be respectful of boundaries and preferences. Some individuals may have sensory sensitivities or communication preferences that you should be mindful of. Be aware of personal space and sensory stimulation. Respect any requests for accommodations.
2. Be open-minded and willing to learn about neurodivergent experiences Educate yourself and take the time to learn about different neurodivergent conditions. This knowledge can help you be more understanding and supportive.
3. Ask and clarify.Repeat back what you heard to ensure you understood correctly. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations, and instead be curious and seek to understand their perspective. This can help the speaker feel valued and heard. Encourage deeper discussions by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. But also learn to be more specific, or provide an example if a broad, open question stumps your conversation partner.
4. Practice EmpathyTry to understand the speaker's perspective and emotions. Show empathy by acknowledging and validating their feelings and experiences. Avoid toxic positivity or empathy blockers. Be open to others having wildly different experiences of the same context.
5. Be patient and give spaceSome individuals may need extra time to process information or communicate. In as much as possible, allow the speaker to finish their thoughts without interruptions. This shows respect for their voice and ideas. Practice patience and avoid rushing the conversation. Learn to pause and come back to conversations to allow for processing in between sessions.
6. Be clear with expectationsNegotiate a clear framing for the conversation and what is expected from it. If time and space are limited, think of other ways in which the person can be listened to or other modalities in which their opinions can be accounted for. Asynchronous tools like a text chat can be a great help here, provided all parties can remember to regularly check it and contribute. Remember to provide supports or accomodation when needed.
7. Allow the person to share in a way that works for themThere is no one way of engaging and communication. Some people find it easier to be open and attuned to themselves when they are not overly focussed on the other person in a traditional conversation setting. That can mean facing away from you, being curled up in a comfortable seat or pacing around the room. Sometimes taking a walk and talking side by side focussed on the path ahead can help someone open up. Other people easily go non verbal and like to write.
8. Be present and practice active listening YOUR WAYGive your full attention to the person speaking and as much as possible, put distractions away. This means also communicating to the other person what your personal signs of listening ARE. There are those who prefer to doodle or craft while listening as it helps with focus, whereas some finds eye contact distracting from listening intently. Some might show body language that can come across as not being focussed, yet need the movement to deeply focus on the words being said.Show that you are engaged in the conversation by doing what works for you, whether that is making eye contact, nodding, and using encouraging gestures or sounds to indicate you are listening. Engage fully in the conversation by focusing on what is being said, rather than thinking about your response. You can also show that you are engaged by offering short recaps of what you heard, or a well chosen follow-up question. This allows for a more meaningful and respectful exchange.

By incorporating these tips into your listening habits, you can create a more neuroinclusive and supportive environment that takes into account different perspectives, experiences, and ways of processing information. Lastly, by approaching conversations with patience, empathy, and an open mind, you can create meaningful and inclusive interactions.