What does “neurodivergent” mean? What’s “neurotypical?”
In our current cultural climate, what people mean by these terms can fluctuate a bit depending on who’s using them and why. The word ”neurodivergent” or “neurodivergence” simply refers to when a person’s brain is wired differently from the societal “norm.” Generally, this is often used to describe AD/HD, Autism, and Sensory Processing Disorder, but it’s actually a big, umbrella term that can include any divergence from the culturally-defined “norm,” including things like Tourette’s, Learning Disabilities, and Bipolar as well. The concept of neurodivergence is inherently inclusive, meaning one can apply it toward just about any mental health or neurological difference, including experiences like anxiety and depression. Neurodivergence is a natural variation in the genome that has likely existed as long as humans have. This is one of many reasons for my non-pathologizing approach. “Neurotypical” refers to folx whose brains more readily fit the mold for society’s expectations— and there is nothing wrong with that, either! As for “Neurodiversity?” Well, that’s like many other forms of diversity and just refers to all these kinds of bodies and brains together.

Do you treat AD/HD? Or Autism? Have you ever met someone like me before?
I can assure you I have worked with a wide variety of neurotypes, especially including AD/HDers and Autistic folx. That said, my treatment approach does not target changing your neurotype; that’s not only a losing proposition but a ludicrous one. My goal is to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be, not to turn you into someone else.

For example, if you want to work on navigating social challenges or the difficulties that arise from procrastination, of course, I am more than happy to help you with those goals. But I do not do so to help vulnerable people adjust to their oppression. I want to recognize and celebrate your unique strengths to help you be your best “you”— in your own way.

I’m pretty sure I’m neurotypical/I don’t know if I’m neurodivergent. How can you help me?
This is the beauty of my approach: I don’t target your neurology for “fixing.” And I work with lots of folx who are allistic/non-autistic or non-neurodivergent, too! Sometimes, our work reveals anxiety, depression, trauma, or other pain that we work through together. Other times, when those needs haven’t been met through previous therapy, we find out this may be part of how you’re “wired,” and that you’ve actually just been a perfectly neurodivergent person all along. This is not always my expectation but can sometimes emerge as a possibility.

This also means: if you identify as neurodivergent, I can help you explore what that means to you. If you suspect you’re ADHD or Autistic, we can explore whether you would like to obtain a more formal neuropsychological diagnosis. We will discuss what diagnosis means to you, whether it may be indicated, and what that process can look like. In this discussion, we will rely heavily upon your own reflections and experiences. Discussion does not equal diagnosis; it can take several sessions to determine your most appropriate next steps.

How do you know if I’m neurodivergent?
Some folx come to me with an existing diagnosis, some are curious, some have no idea they might be neurodivergent…and plenty of folx are neurotypical! I diagnose according to DSM-5 criteria, informed by lived experience, clinical training, and ND community feedback, and my assessment process is continual and collaborative. Self-identification is valid and overdue for the respect it deserves. I firmly believe you are the expert in your life— and with that, neurodivergent thinking and experiences are inherently quite subjective. This means I rely on your direct report to better understand how you experience the world.

Are Autism and Asperger’s the same or different?
Effectively, yes…but actually, no. Confusing, right? When the new diagnostic manual for doctors and therapists came out in 2013, it rolled several developmental diagnoses together into one and changed a name or two. Autism is now a term that also encompasses what used to be called PDD-NOS and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Differences within the “spectrum” are now “rated by severity”— which is still problematic and inaccurate to Autistic lived experience. We are far from a perfect diagnostic system— which is not always compatible with an identity-based model anyway. While some folx still identify with Asperger’s or “aspie,” this as an unnecessary distinction that can align with some of the worst parts of ableism, operating similarly to functioning labels, as described below:

What’s the deal with high-functioning or low-functioning?
Research confirms what the autistic community has been saying for years and years: functioning labels are meaningless and often quite destructive. Many believe that functioning labels create distinctions within the neurodivergent community that perpetuate ableist myths. Functioning labels also tend to describe snapshots of how neurotypical someone can seem to others, rather than convey that person’s subjective experience over time. We know that “masking,” the act of trying to look “indistinguishable from one’s peers,” can be deeply damaging to a person’s sense of self and orientation to the world. This is altogether a lose-lose that undermines the beautiful, natural neurodiversity of our world.

Why don’t you use “person first language?” Shouldn’t you say “person with autism” instead of “Autistic person?”
Folx in the Autistic community overwhelmingly support identity-first language, such as “Autistic person” or “Autistics.” This is for several reasons, chief among them being that autism is a part of a person’s identity that cannot be separated from their experiences. Moreover, while still labeled as a “disorder” by the medical community, the Autistic community recognizes autism as a natural variation in the human genome— a neurological difference or condition. Autism is not an affliction to be cured.

With that, I respect and appreciate that some Autistic folx prefer person-first language. In our sessions, this can help us explore the value of identity and self-identification, the importance of self-expression, and both systemic and internalized ableism. Identity is so deeply personal; no matter how you identify, your right to self-determination is of tremendous and precious importance to me.

How do you feel about ABA? Do you provide it?
I do not provide ABA. Not only is it not my training, but it’s not my choice. I will gladly provide further information about this choice upon request and have supportive information about ABA on my resource page. Most important, it is literally my job to listen to autistic people. The Autistic community widely condemns ABA and is due recognition and repair for the harms caused by ABA on Autistic people.

What about autistic social skills? 
Autistics don’t have inadequate social skills. This is an ableist stereotype that perpetuates non-Autistic privilege, not the holistic well-being of neurodivergent people. Research shows that autistics can communicate with each other just as successfully as neurotypicals do. This doesn’t mean Autistic folx don’t ever struggle socially with neurotypicals— and vice versa. This also doesn't mean non-Autistics need to be the social standard, either. Just as in any relationship, social responsibilities are mutual and bi-directional. It is ableist to place that onus solely on Autistic individuals and families.