Celebrating Neuroaffirming General Practitioners (GPs)

In our Celebrating Neuro-Affirming Professionals Series, each resource spotlights a different profession making a difference in the neuro-affirming space. It’s our way of acknowledging the vital, often unsung contributions these professionals make every day in supporting neurodivergent individuals and communities.

When most people think about neurodivergence, they might picture psychologists, occupational therapists, or speech pathologists as key supports - and they absolutely are. But one profession often overlooked in these conversations is general practice.

General practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for health concerns, including those related to neurodivergence. They play a crucial role in not only identifying and managing physical and mental health needs, but also in advocating for dignity and accessibility within the healthcare system.

What Do GPs Actually Do for Neurodivergent Clients?

A GP’s job is broad and demanding - they assess, diagnose and treat a huge range of conditions across all stages of life. For neurodivergent clients, their role might include:

• Supporting a late-identified autistic or ADHD adult through the diagnostic process

• Managing co-occurring physical or mental health conditions

• Prescribing and monitoring medications when appropriate

• Writing referral letters or care plans to access allied health or specialist services

• Helping navigate complex systems like NDIS or workplace accommodations

• Providing preventative care tailored to the client’s unique needs and context

For many neurodivergent people, a GP is not just a first point of contact to other services, but a trusted partner who can help make healthcare feel safer and more manageable.

Beyond Check-ups and Prescriptions

It’s easy to assume that GPs simply conduct quick check-ups and write prescriptions - but for neurodivergent patients, their impact can go much deeper.

For children, a neuroaffirming GP might:

• Advocate for early assessments without dismissing parental concerns

• Adjust how they communicate to reduce a child’s anxiety in the clinic

• Monitor growth and development in a way that respects neurodivergent variation

For adults, they might:

• Offer trauma-informed care that acknowledges a patient’s history of being dismissed or misunderstood

• Take the time to explain medical information clearly, without jargon

• Respect the client’s right to decline certain interventions

• Recognise and respond sensitively to burnout, masking or sensory needs

Neuroaffirming GPs recognise that healthcare encounters can be daunting - even re-traumatising - for those who’ve experienced years of feeling unseen or invalidated. By creating a calm, respectful environment, they help patients feel safe enough to seek care when it’s needed.

What Makes A GP Neuroaffirming ?

A neuroaffirming GP understands that neurodivergence is not a problem to fix - but a natural variation in human experience. They reject stereotypes, avoid judgement and adjust their approach to meet the client where they are.

This often looks like:

• Listening first, diagnosing second - respecting the client’s insights about their own body and mind

• Accommodating differences - such as dimming lights (where possible), offering written summaries or avoiding unnecessary small talk if it helps

• Challenging stigma - by using respectful, identity-affirming language and not dismissing symptoms as “just anxiety”, when other factors such as neurodivergence could be at play

• Balancing autonomy and guidance - giving clients information and options without pressure or coercion

• Recognising systemic barriers - and advocating for fair access to services and supports

• Patience with executive functioning struggles - they understand that many NDs struggle with executive functioning, and may take a long time before actioning on things requested by their doctors, e.g., blood tests, specialist referrals, etc.

Neuroaffirming General Practitioners don’t just treat conditions - they see the whole person and honour their dignity at every step.

Finding a GP Who Gets It

If you’re looking for a GP who understands and respects neurodivergence, here are a few questions you can ask:

• Have you worked with neurodivergent patients before?

• Are you comfortable supporting ND adults as well as children?

• Are you open to adjusting the environment or pace of the consultation to suit me?

• Can you provide clear, written information about my care plan?

If they’re a member of the Neuroaffirming Professionals Alliance Australia (NAPAA), they’ve already committed to the values of inclusion, dignity and individualised care - not one-size-fits-all medicine.

A Big Thank You to Neuroaffirming General Practitioners

At NAPAA, we deeply appreciate the essential role that neuroaffirming GPs play in the lives of neurodivergent individuals and families.

From advocating for fair assessments, to offering care plans that honour autonomy, to simply listening without judgement - your work matters more than you know. You help make healthcare safer, kinder and more accessible. You remind neurodivergent clients that they deserve care that works with them, not against them.

Thank you for being part of this movement toward a healthcare system where NDs can show up as themselves - and still be fully seen, heard, and supported.

We see you. We value you. And the future of healthcare is brighter because of you.

And if you’re looking for one? Our growing NAPAA Directory is here to help. We’re always on the lookout for more neuroaffirming hairdressers to join our professional community - if you’re neurodivergent and you know an amazing hairdresser who caters to, and champion your needs, please share NAPAA with them and encourage them to join us!