Neurodiversity

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Neurodiversity

/ˌnjʊərə(ʊ)dʌɪˈvəːsɪti,ˌnjʊərə(ʊ)dɪˈvəːsɪti/

Noun

the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population (used especially in the context of autistic spectrum disorders).

(I love a good dictionary definition)

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for all the different ways our brains can work. It contains Dyslexia, Dyscalculia- all the "Dys"es, Tourette's, a bunch of other things based in genetic and physiological differences, but also in differences in thinking caused by our experience. While I work with people all over the Neurodiverse spectrum, I specialise in ADHD and the Autism Spectrum.

Being neurodiverse means your brain works in slightly (or greatly) different ways to the mainstream, and can be a source of great passion, but also pain when your ways of being don't match up to what people expect of you.

How did this become a specialty?

Two things happened:

I got diagnosed
I got OBSESSED with learning about myself

If you’re familiar with neurodiversity already, you might be familiar with “Special Interests”; topics that spark joy, and interest, and a thirst to learn more and talk about them whenever possible. People were always one of mine but once I started learning about ADHD, then Autism, then Neurodiversity as a whole, it turned into an all-consuming passion.

If that wasn’t enough by itself, I quickly started noticing how obvious my traits were, and had always been. Then noticed how past therapists had missed them completely. And the skills I had been taught didn’t always work for neurodiverse brains. The ways social structures disadvantaged our brains… the shame and stress others lived with and didn’t know why… it snowballed until all I wanted to do was support my fellow Neurodiverse folks, and yell about how others can support us. And I will not be stopped.

“Dyslexic kids are creative, ‘outside-the-box’ thinkers. They have to be because they don’t see or solve problems the same way other kids do. In school, unfortunately, they are sometimes written off as lazy, unmotivated, rude or even stupid.”

— Rick Riordan, author

How can therapy help?

Sharing conversations about ADHD and Autism with someone who has lived experience can transform the way we feel about ourselves. We can feel less alone, foster a sense of belonging and start to question those feelings of being inherently "wrong." We can express the fears (and joys) that haven’t felt safe in the past. We can make fun of the nonsensical social rules that we’re expected to follow along with and challenge the societal norms that often marginalize us.

We can delve into your brain without judgement, tailoring day-to-day strategies to better match with your unique needs. We can also explore your perspectives, what being neurodiverse means to you, and whether or not you want to get diagnosed.

These conversations are about empowerment, self-discovery, and navigating the world with self-acceptance and kindness, celebrating the richness and diversity of neurodivergent experiences.