ABSTRACT
Creating supportive environments was originally identified as an action area for health promotion by the World Health Organisation. Creating supportive environments refers to the extent to which environments, both physical and metaphorical, are conducive to health and wellbeing. Creating supportive environments as it relates to practice with neurodivergent children and their families is about changing places and spaces to foster inclusion, wellbeing, individuality and acceptance. A supportive environment is one within which the neurodivergent child or their family don’t have to change to feel belonging and are appreciated and valued as they are. A supportive environment in this context is concerned with the extent to which the environment is conducive to the child and their family’s unique needs, wishes and preferences.
This chapter presents the concept of creating supportive environments to the reader and explores the development ofs health promotion to date. The social determinants of health are considered, with specific cognisance regarding their relevance to the lives of neurodivergent children and their families. This chapter examines supportive environments for neurodivergent children and families across sectors and settings, and discusses key principles and catalysts for action, from which to inform practice.
