Neurodiversity is often referred to as “invisible disabilities.” This term umbrellas Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette's Syndrome, Dyslexia, and many others. An estimated 15% to 20% of the world’s population falls into this category, however, as we learn more about Neurodiversity this number could grow. 

We do not treat neurodiversity as it is not a disorder but a neurological classification. We recognize the impact society can have on neurodiverse folx ability to navigate through life. We know that trying to fit into a neurotypical world when your mind doesn’t work that way can add to the problem. It’s important to recognize that these brains work differently and that different way of viewing and navigating the world is vital to our society. In fact, many struggles neurodiverse people experience are either caused by and/ or worsened by societal constructs/norms and systems that favor the Neuro-Majority. 

Affirming Therapists

We believe in empathy based therapy and see our clients as the competent professionals of "themself" that they are. We let our clients lead the way in exploring what they need out of therapy. Maybe that is focusing on the issues like depression and/or anxiety through a Neurodiverse perspective. Maybe it is working on unmasking, accommodation advocacy, education, burnout, etc. We know that no one knows "you" better than "you". 

Our Techniques

We find it important to note here that ABA is not used in our therapy. Applied behavioral analysis therapy (ABA) started as a way to fit neurodiverse individuals, especially autistic individuals, into the neurotypical world. Many think it’s used to change behaviors that some consider “undesirable” instead of teaching skills. It's designed to ignore the needs of the children being subjected to it. We instead use other approaches such as client-focused, empathy based therapy. Such techniques encouraged a partnership between the therapist and the client. You are the expert on your lived experiences with your brain. You know where you want to go and how you want to change. We want to help you to get there.


Unsure if you’re neurodivergent? We can help!

If you think some of your problems may stem from being undiagnosed or misdiagnosis, we can provide you with additional information and sources. A good starting point might be our other post: ADHD, Autism, or Both? How to recognize the differences.




Resources used:
Cherry, Kendra. “How Client-Centered Therapy Works.” Verywell Mind, 13 July 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/client-centered-therapy-2795999. 

Lynch, C.L. “Invisible Abuse: Aba and the Things Only Autistic People Can See.” NeuroClastic, 13 Aug. 2021, https://neuroclastic.com/invisible-abuse-aba-and-the-things-only-autistic-people-can-see/. 

Moeller, Miriam et al. “Neurodiversity Can Be a Workplace Strength, If We Make Room for It.” The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2021, https://theconversation.com/neurodiversity-can-be-a-workplace-strength-if-we-make-room-for-it-164859. 


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C.A.S.E. and Training for Adoption Competency

The Center for Adoption Support and Education created TAC to help adoptive families have access to quality mental health services. This is important for the continued health of both the child and the family. We are happy to provide such support to our clients as we continue training and furthering our education. We will consider a child’s early history during diagnosis to better aid them during our time together. And help provide support and education to families as a whole, navigating trauma and building trust,

Ideally, foster care gives children a safe place to land when things go wrong at home, with the end goal of reuniting the family. In practice, things don’t always run smoothly. A staggering 80% of children in the foster care system have mental health issues. And unfortunately, nearly every child welfare agency notes their services need to be improved. We see the results of that as children are bounced between foster homes that are not equipped to help, not giving them the sense of security that foster care is meant to provide. From there, almost 90% will come into contact with law enforcement.

We want to provide those children and families with the resources they need to succeed in the system. We will support foster parents and educate them to help advocate for those in their care and themselves; allowing foster children the security and help they need to heal and grow. We provide support for biological parents who are trying to reunite with their children or are experiencing grief from TPR. We provide support for adult adoptee’s who need a space to process whatever feelings they may have surrounding their experience. 



Resources Used:

C.A.S.E. - Nurture, Inspire, Empower, 22 Feb. 2022, https://adoptionsupport.org/. 
Guarino, GinaMarie. “Adopted Children Often Face Mental Health Struggles as Young Adults.” Claudia Black Center, 2 Aug. 2021, https://www.claudiablackcenter.com/adopted-children-often-face-mental-health-struggles-as-young-adults/#:~:text=Twelve%20to%2014%20percent%20of,like%20anxiety%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20behavioral. 

Huber, Jennifer, and Bill Grimm. “Most States Fail to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Foster Children.” National Center for Youth Law, 28 Mar. 2022, https://youthlaw.org/news/most-states-fail-meet-mental-health-needs-foster-children. 
Sheppard, Sarah. “The Mental Health Effects of Living in Foster Care.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 9 Feb. 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-effects-of-living-in-foster-care-5216614. 
Child Welfare Department. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/racial_disproportionality.pdf
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