I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist in support of the neurodiversity movement to support full social inclusion and accommodation for all. I am multiply neurodivergent myself as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and diagnosed ADHD.

 

I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, especially those who are (or suspect they are) Autistic (check out this self-assessment for Autism: https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests/), have ADHD diagnoses, and/or identify with the Highly Sensitive Person personality trait. I offer neurotypical client work as well and also enjoy assisting clients in figuring out their specific neurotype if they are brand new to these terms and this work.

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See below for better understanding of these terms.

 

Neurodiversity: Coined by Judy Singer in 1998, this term recognizes that every individual's brain develops differently. The term covers all people from those who would classify as neurotypical to neurodivergent. Similar to how no two people have the same fingerprint, no two people have the same brain. Therefore, we are all neurodiverse with our own unique neurotype (the way your individual brain experiences the world).

 

Neurotypical: those who function within the major societal standard and are categorized as a part of the societal "norm" in social functioning, interactions, communication, and ease of adjustment to surroundings.

 

Neurodivergent: those who struggle to adapt to these societal standards due to a various range of reasons (examples: executive functioning, social interaction, tendency toward overwhelm, sensory sensitivity, accommodations, disability, cognitive functioning, cultural needs, mental health diagnoses, and more).

Some examples: Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are neurodivergent. So are those with ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia.

 

That said, neurodivergence is not a disability. It is simply a different existence and intake of the world that requires appropriate accommodations. Once the individual finds the appropriate accommodations to match their individual brain's functioning, they are able to find success in survival and meeting their own needs.

 

Therapy with a neurodiversity affirming therapist can help with:

1. Learning about your unique neurotype, including what I like to call learning about every page of your own "operation manual"

2. Learning how to make adjustments in your life and/or ask for accommodations in areas of your life that would align better with your neurotype and level of functioning

3. Learning how to set boundaries

4. Learning how to recognize your own limits and limitations

5. Learning to communicate your limits and limitations to others to create a more peaceful and enjoyable life experience