Neurodivergence, also called neurodiversity, refers to the concept that people experience the world in a variety of different ways, and each way of experiencing and interacting with the world is as valid as another. In the past, discussion of neurodiversity focused on deficits in various areas, such as communication, learning, and behavior. In the present, discussion of neurodiversity involves a completely new perspective:

Instead of deficits, we talk about differences. Instead of disease or pathology, we talk about different abilities and neurocognitive diversity. Instead of labeling groups of neurodiverse people by clinical diagnoses, we talk about neurominorities.

This approach to thinking and talking about neurodevelopmental disorders, and the core term itself – neurodiversity – has roots in the disability pride movement from the late 1990s, when sociologist Judy Singer posed the question:

“Why not propose that just as biodiversity is essential to ecosystem stability, so neurodiversity may be essential for cultural stability?”

This question led to significant changes in the way we understand and support people with neurodevelopmental disorders. We now know that the best way to help people manage neurodivergence is with an approach called neurodivergence-informed therapy, also called neurodivergence-informed care.

What is Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy?

Neurodivergence-informed therapy refers to psychotherapy guided by the idea that neurodivergent people don’t need to be fixed or cured but rather understood and supported. We support neurodivergent patients with mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety with full awareness that they may experience the world in a different way than neurotypical patients, and tailor treatment accordingly.

Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy is appropriate for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive function problems, and people with a mental health diagnosis in addition to a neurodevelopmental diagnosis.

When patients with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder need support with issues directly related to their diagnoses, we help them develop practical skills to address those issues and participate in the essential activities and responsibilities of daily life, including work, school, and social relationships, while affirming their self-worth, validating their way of seeing and understanding the world, and creating an atmosphere where they feel seen, heard and valued.

When patients with ASD or ADHD have a mental health disorder, we design a treatment plan that leverages their strengths, gives them tools to process powerful and uncomfortable emotions, and provides a safe and supportive environment. We celebrate their unique attributes are celebrated, and know they can help patients learn and grow, and thrive in recovery.

Strength in Differences: How We See You

If you have ADHD, here’s how we view your unique qualities. This is a strengths-based reframing of the common characteristics of a person with ADHD:

  • Hyper-focused
  • Creative
  • Innovative
  • Curious
  • Resourceful
  • Energetic
  • Spontaneous
  • Productive

And if you’re on the ASD spectrum, here’s how we view your way of experiencing the world, this is a strengths-based reframing of common characteristics of a person with ASD:

  • Advanced ability to identify patterns
  • Enhanced ability to think in images
  • Preference for creative thinking
  • Has unique approaches to problem-solving
  • Enhanced ability to learn, memorize, and dictate large amounts of complex information
  • Virtually unlimited knowledge in specific areas of interest
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Capable of sustaining focus on specific areas of interest
  • Enhanced ability to complete repetitive tasks
  • Enhanced awareness of the importance of accuracy and rule-following related to important tasks and/or tasks of interest
  • Capable of sustained, nonjudgmental listening

The Benefits of Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy

One way of looking at neurodivergence is as a superpower. Your differences are a gift that enable you to accomplish amazing things in ways neurotypical people may never have imagined possible. At the same time, we don’t Pollyanna the situation. We recognize that neurodivergence can create real functional problems in your life that affect things like work, school, and relationships.

Neurodivergence-informed therapy can help.

A neurodivergence-aware therapist providing neurodivergence-informed therapy can reconcile those opposites, apply a dialectic mindset, and help you manage any symptoms, challenges, or issues you have related to your mental health or neurodevelopmental status.

Learn More Today

If you or a loved one has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis, with or without a mental health disorder, support from clinicians experienced in neurodivergence-informed therapy may be exactly the treatment modality required to help achieve emotional, psychological, and functional goals.

Contact us to learn how we can help.