Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity, ADHD & Autism
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity broadly refers to diverse ways in which people experience the world based on their unique ways of thinking, acting, and feeling. Often, this term is used to specifically refer to the experiences of people with neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and more. Neurodevelopmental conditions are the result of a person’s brain developing in a way that is unique from typical (neurotypical) brain development from birth, though due to the diverse ways these conditions present, symptoms may be identified anywhere from early childhood to adulthood. These conditions are a fundamental part of a person’s experience and existence, and therefore cannot be separated from the person. As such, neurodevelopmental conditions should not be framed as illness, but rather honoured and celebrated as part of the beautiful range of neurodiverse experiences inherent within human experiences.
Due to the unique experiences of neurodiverse individuals, it is important that supports like therapy are tailored to their individual experiences, goals, and needs. Therapeutic approaches commonly used when working with neurodivergent individuals include Person-Centred Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy, among others. Common goals for therapy include: processing emotions related to diagnosis or self-identification with neurodivergence; developing coping skills; learning to embrace and celebrate strengths; connecting with community and support; burnout prevention and recovery; unmasking; and more. Importantly, neurodevelopmental conditions are a part of who someone is from the day they are born, and are therefore not something that therapy attempts to “cure”.
Through therapy, neurodivergent clients learn to acknowledge the things that affect their daily life, seek accommodations and strategies, and to love the full breadth of experiences their neurodivergence brings them. For more information on how therapy may benefit you or your loved ones, reach out to our team to book with one of our therapists with specialized training and experience in this area.
ADHD & Autism
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition experienced by approximately 1.8 million Canadians. ADHD presents in a variety of ways, and many individuals’ experiences with ADHD will change throughout their lives. People with ADHD commonly experience: challenges with choosing what to focus on; difficulties maintaining attention; fidgeting; impulsivity; intense emotions; feelings of restlessness; and more. It is important to ensure the areas of difficulty experienced by ADHDers are validated and accommodated. Many ADHDers face system barriers as a result of living in a world that is built around the assumption that everyone is neurotypical. Validating these obstacles, frustrations, and challenges is a key part of ensuring ADHDers feel heard and supported in therapy. Similarly, it is also essential to celebrate the many strengths that often accompany ADHD, including: increased creativity; the ability to learn immense amounts about areas of interest; spontaneity; and more. While it was previously thought that ADHD was primarily diagnosed in childhood, more and more folks are getting later diagnoses as we learn to better understand the diverse ways that ADHD presents.
Folks with ADHD have a broad range of experiences that benefit from individually tailored therapy that validates their experiences, builds on their strengths, and helps contribute to developing a more ADHD-affirming and supportive life. Therapeutic approaches commonly used when working with neurodivergent individuals include Person-Centred Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy, among others. Within these approaches, ADHDers work alongside therapists to identify what specific strategies and tools feel most helpful for them, and which therapeutic approaches they would most like to explore. Common goals for therapy include: processing emotions related to diagnosis or self-identification with ADHD; fostering emotional regulation skills; identifying areas of need and individually tailored strategies/accommodations for things like work, school, household tasks, etc.; learning to embrace and celebrate strengths; connecting with community and support; burnout prevention and recovery; unmasking; and more. Importantly, as a neurodevelopmental condition, ADHD is NOT something that therapy attempts to “cure”. ADHD is a fundamental part of who someone is that should be valued, accommodated and celebrated, and it is something that folks will experience throughout their lifetime.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) is a neurodevelopmental condition experienced by approximately 1-2% of Canadians. Autistic individuals typically experience differences in communication, unique approaches to social relationships and interactions, and experience their sensory environment as more or less intense than Allistics (non-Autistics) tend to. Additionally, Autistics often tend toward repetitive behaviours, routines, special interests, and sameness as means of emotional regulation and meeting their needs. Autism is a spectrum, and no two Autistics are the same, so no two Autistics will meet all of the diagnostic criteria in the same way. It is essential to acknowledge the systemic barriers that many Autistics face as a result of living in a world that is built around the assumption that everyone is neurotypical. Validating these obstacles, frustrations, and challenges is a key part of ensuring Autistics feel heard and supported in therapy. It is equally important that therapy celebrate the many strengths that often accompany Autism including: intense passions; detail orientedness; the ability to learn and recall immense amounts of information about their areas of interest; problem soving skills; and more. While it was previously thought that Autism was primarily diagnosed in childhood, more and more folks are getting later diagnoses as we learn to better understand the diverse ways that Autism presents
To ensure Autistics feel well supported in therapy, it is essential that therapy is tailored to their unique needs rather than assuming that there is one “right” approach to navigating therapy for Autistics. Therapeutic approaches commonly used when working with neurodivergent individuals include Person-Centred Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy, among others. Within these approaches, Autistics work alongside therapists to identify what specific strategies and tools feel most helpful for them, and which therapeutic approaches they would most like to explore. Common goals for therapy include: processing emotions related to diagnosis or self-identification with neurodivergence; developing coping skills; learning to embrace and celebrate strengths; connecting with community and support; burnout prevention and recovery; unmasking; and more. Importantly, it is NOT a goal of therapy to “cure” someone’s Autism. Autism is a fundamental part of who someone is that should be valued, accommodated and celebrated, and it is something that folks will experience throughout their lifetime.
