ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a new ethical standard of practice for the mental health field called Brain-Informed Care (BIC). Rather than a specific therapy modality, BIC represents an atmosphere of care in which neurodiversity is recognized and respected within the therapy room and beyond. A brief review of its precursor, Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), is provided. Six tenets of BIC are explored in detail, with examples: Commitment to non-ableist practices, promotion of sensory security, presumption of competence and strengths, acceptance of atypicality without manipulation or toxic positivity, validation of neurodivergent lived experience, and therapist authenticity. The specific qualities of a neuroaffirming therapist are outlined.
