Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy for ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergent People

 

I am autistic and ADHD myself, so I understand what it can mean to experience the world differently from the expectations placed upon us. I welcome neurodivergent people into my therapy space, including people with ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence, whether formally diagnosed, self-identifying or currently questioning.Being neurodivergent can shape how you experience emotions, relationships, work, education, communication and sensory environments. You might find yourself navigating a world that often seems designed around people whose brains work differently from yours. Perhaps you have spent years trying to meet expectations that don't fit, wondering why things that seem straightforward for others feel difficult for you, or feeling that you have to work harder just to keep up.

Masking can be exhausting! You may have learned to hide aspects of yourself, rehearse conversations, copy other people's behaviour, suppress your authentic responses or carefully monitor how you come across. You might do this to fit in, avoid judgement, keep the peace or feel safer in social situations. Over time, masking can leave you feeling drained, disconnected from yourself or unsure of who you are when you aren't trying to meet other people's expectations. Therapy can offer a space where you don't have to perform, explain everything perfectly or pretend to be someone you're not.​

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What Is Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy?

To me, neurodiversity affirming therapy is therapy that recognises that there are many different ways of thinking, feeling, communicating, processing information and experiencing the world. Rather than treating neurological differences as something that automatically needs to be corrected, I seek to understand your individual experiences, strengths, needs and difficulties.

This doesn't mean overlooking the things you may find genuinely difficult or assuming that every experience of neurodivergence is positive. ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence can bring real challenges, particularly when your needs aren't understood or supported. You may experience anxiety, exhaustion, difficulties with executive functioning, sensory overwhelm, relationship challenges or the cumulative impact of trying to fit into environments that don't accommodate you.

A neurodiversity affirming approach makes room for all of this. It recognises your difficulties without reducing you to them, and explores what might help you live in a way that feels more manageable, authentic and suited to who you are.​

 

A Space to Explore Your Experiences

You might come to therapy because you've recently received an ADHD or autism diagnosis and are trying to make sense of what it means for you. Perhaps you're questioning whether you might be neurodivergent, recognising familiar patterns in yourself or revisiting experiences from childhood with a new understanding.You may have known about your neurodivergence for years but still be working through its impact on your self-esteem, relationships or identity. Perhaps you've spent a long time feeling that you are somehow getting things wrong, blaming yourself for difficulties that other people don't seem to have, or trying to meet standards that leave you overwhelmed.

 

​We can explore these experiences together, at your pace. You don't need a formal diagnosis to talk about how you experience the world, and you don't need to arrive with a clear explanation of what's happening. Sometimes, the first step is simply having the opportunity to talk openly and feel that your experience is being taken seriously.​

 

Therapy That Works With You, Not Against You

I want therapy to be a space where we can explore what works for you, rather than assuming you should adapt yourself to fit a particular idea of how you ought to think, feel or behave.

That might mean exploring ways to understand your needs, recognising when you're approaching overwhelm, making sense of past experiences, developing greater self acceptance or finding ways to communicate your boundaries. It might involve looking at relationships, work, education, family expectations or the emotional impact of feeling different.We can also explore the strategies you've developed to navigate the world, including masking, without assuming that you need to stop doing something that has helped you feel safe. The aim isn't to impose another set of expectations, but to understand your experiences and consider what feels helpful and sustainable for you in the here and now.As an autistic and ADHD therapist, I bring my own lived experience of neurodivergence to my work. I recognise that shared experiences can sometimes help us connect, while also understanding that your experience will be your own. You are the expert on your life, and I want to remain curious about what neurodivergence means for you as an individual.