NEURODIVERSITY

What is NeuroDiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term originally coined by Australian sociologist, Judy Singer, in the late-1990s.

Judy has built on her original idea - which can be found here. Some of this material is reproduced below.

“Neurodiversity is:
- a state of nature to be respected
- an analytical tool for examining social issues
- an argument for the conservation and facilitation of human diversity”

~ Judy Singer 2020

“Neurodiversity is a term that refers to an obvious and indisputable feature of Earth's biosphere.”

“Neurodiversity refers to the virtually infinite neuro-cognitive variability within Earth’s human population.  It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system and unique abilities and needs.”

The NeuroDiversity Movement

Despite no official definition or spokesperson for the movement, its consensual aims can be discerned. They are to:

  • shift mainstream perceptions of marginalized NeuroMinorities

  • replace negative, deficit-based stereotypes of NeuroMinorities with a more balanced valuation of their gifts and needs

  • find valued roles for neurologically marginalized people

  • show that all society benefits from the incorporation of NeuroMinorities.

Source: Neurodiversity Hub

Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy

As a neurodiverse therapist, I understand the demands of navigating a neurotypical world and the negative effects of masking your authentic self.

We’re all about embracing and celebrating what makes you, YOU. If you’re neurodivergent—whether you’re autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or something else entirely—we want you to feel right at home here.

We get that everyone experiences the world differently, and we’re here to support you in a way that fits your unique perspective. Our goal is to work with you, not just to help you manage challenges, but to recognize and build on your strengths.

It can help to gain insight into your neurology and build self-compassion and understanding. We will work on empowerment and acceptance; to embrace your neurotype, rather than pathologize and “treat” your “symptoms”.

Clinical Focus

  • Building a safe, trusting, authentic, and positive therapeutic relationship.

  • Supporting individuals through self-discovery and identity exploration, helping them create a healthier relationship with themselves and strengthen their self-esteem.

  • Psychoeducation about neurodivergence and associated mental health issues.

  • Practicing feelings identification and building a more intimate awareness and expression of emotions.

  • Empowering clients to self-advocate.

  • Increasing personal awareness of one’s needs: safety, sensory, social, emotional, mental, and physical needs and how to meet them.

  • Identifying negative core beliefs and creating more positive beliefs to transform clients’ narratives

  • Identifying societal and systemic issues impacting clients and how to mitigate them.

  • Working on communication styles and patterns

  • Building supportive and healthier routines

  • Identifying and transforming unhealthy relationship patterns

  • Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques

  • Building skills for effective conflict resolution

  • Increasing coping skills and adaptability to unexpected changes or circumstances beyond control

  • Supporting clients to navigate and manage their personal and professional roles

  • Prioritizing self-care, rest, and recreation

  • Managing anxiety around social situations

  • Gaining insight into depression and anxiety-related behaviors

  • Prevent and recover from burnout

  • Different, not less

    Temple Grandin

  • "Autism is about having a pure heart and being very sensitive… It is about finding a way to survive in an overwhelming, confusing world… It is about developing differently, in a different pace and with different leaps."

    Naoki Higashida

  • “Neurodiversity is the future of innovation and progress.”

    Steve Silberman

  • "Every mind has its own brilliance; neurodiversity is the celebration of that brilliance."

    Nick Walker

  • "Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation."

    Judy Singer

  • "A particular neurodivergence does not make people inherently disabled, but they feel disabled because of the generally overstimulating environments of dominant neurotypical culture and settings."

    Jenera Nerenberg, Author - Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World that Wasn't Designed for You."

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