Therapy for Neurodivergent People: A Comprehensive Guide

In this article, we delve into the world of therapy for Neurodivergent people, exploring the nuances, benefits, and approaches employed by various counselling therapists. Our goal is to provide you with a detailed understanding of the available types of therapy and how they are marketed.

How Do I Find a Good Therapist?

The words “neurodivergent,” “neurodiversity,” “neurodivergence,” and “neurodiverse” are being used to refer to types of therapy that recognize the equality and human dignity of neurodivergent. However, they have slightly different meanings, and there is only recently an emerging consensus around how they should be used. I’ve recently evolved my own approach to using these terms:

• Neurodivergent: Having a brain that functions in ways that differ from what is considered the “norm.” This can include Autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and/or Tourette syndrome, as well as other developmental, neurological and psychological conditions. For example, “I am neurodivergent” or “We are neurodivergent.”

• Neurodiverse: In the recent past, this term has commonly been used to describe a group of people, each of whom is a neurodivergent individual. A consensus is emerging now that this term can also refer to a group of mixed neurotypical and neurodiverse people. For example, “Almost any sizable group will be neurodiverse.” Due to confusion around this term, many online writers now seem to avoid using it.

• Neurodiversity: Neurodiversity refers to the fact that there are differences in how brains function across the human population. For example, “Neurodiversity is a reality for humans.” Neurodiversity advocates argue that these differences should be celebrated and embraced rather than seen as deficits, and that they are natural variations (see note below for more information on the controversies around the use of this term).

• Neurodiversity Movement: a movement that advocates for human rights, equality, and inclusion for neurodivergent people.

• Neurodivergence: The state of being neurodivergent. This can be used to describe individuals or groups. For example, “My neurodivergence provides me with unique insights.”

• People in the Neurodiversity movement sometimes capitalize these words to emphasize that it is a movement and a culture, not just a medical term. For example, I might write “I am Neurodivergent.”

Keeping up with how these terms are used can be challenging, and it is easy to use them incorrectly. Just because a therapist misuses these words doesn’t mean they are a bad therapist. However, if you see that these terms are being used incorrectly, it could be worth making sure that the therapist isn’t just using the words as tags, without an understanding of the basic underlying concepts of the Neurodiversity Movement.

What Types of Therapy are Available for Neurodivergent People?

You will see many different terms when researching therapy or counselling for neurodivergent people. The terms “Neurodivergent therapy,” “Neurodiverse Therapy,” “Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy,” “Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy,” and “Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy” are used by different therapists to promote services to neurodivergent clients. However, they are not types of therapy in themselves. They are traditional forms of therapy practiced by mental health professionals. Some of these therapists are amazing and have considerable experience working with neurodivergent and Autistic people. Others - despite years of experience - are using words coined by the Neurodiversity Movement while still employing outdated therapies or therapies that have been shown to be harmful.

Ideally, a therapists should understand:

• The main concepts underpinning the Neurodiversity Movement,

• What therapies are proven to be harmful to neurodivergent people, and/or

• What therapies have been shown to be effective for neurodivergent people.

It is best if a therapist has been trained to understand neurodivergent people’s unique needs and characteristics. For example, Neurodiversity-affirming therapy (as opposed to Neurodivergent-affirming therapy) has the benefit of being backed by a professional organization with standards that therapists must agree to uphold and some excellent although largely optional membership training. They require members to agree not to use harmful therapeutic methods.

How is Neurodiversity Aware Therapy different?

Neurodiversity Aware Therapy is a cutting-edge, integrated approach to therapy specifically designed for individuals who are neurodivergent. To become a fully certified Neurodiversity Aware Therapist, a counsellor or psychologist must attend mandatory educational training. The training supports therapists with understanding Neurodivergent needs and characteristics. Neurodiversity Aware Therapy leverages the best of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT), Family Systems Therapy (FST) and other evidence-based therapies, providing immense promise for therapists who are committed to providing the highest level of care for Neurodivergent clients.

Neurodiversity Aware Therapy aims to increase the therapist’s knowledge in ways that support a high a therapeutic standard. Neurodiversity Aware Therapy is currently only available at neurodiversityawarecounselling.com, where it is now being offered to a wider group of therapists with the intention of increasing access to this important form of therapy.

Neurodivergence-Safe Practices

There are at least ten specific therapeutic approaches that have been shown to benefit neurodivergent people. When looking for a counsellor, make sure to ask whether they are sensitive to the following:

1. A respect for sensibilities promoted by the Neurodiversity Movement. The therapist views neurodivergence as a natural variation in human neurology rather than a pathology or deficit. They recognize that neurodivergent people have their own strengths and challenges, and they work with clients to develop strategies for coping with challenges and thriving in their lives.

2. Strength-based therapy. This approach focuses on identifying and building upon the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. By harnessing their unique abilities, therapists empower their clients to thrive in various aspects of life.

3. A client-centered approach. The therapist places the client at the center of the therapeutic process. They listen to the client's needs and goals, and they work with the client to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

4. Empowerment. The therapist helps clients to develop their self-advocacy skills and to feel empowered to make their own choices about their lives. They also help clients to identify and develop their strengths.

5. A trauma-informed approach. The therapist understands the impact that trauma can have on neurodivergent people. They create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences and develop healing strategies.

6. Sensitivity to cultural standards. For example, the therapist uses identity-first language (e.g., "Autistic person" instead of "person with autism").

7. Care for sensory needs. The therapist is aware of and provides accommodations and strategies for, sensory sensitivities.

8. Respecting different communication styles. The therapist understands that neurodivergent people tend to be more authentic and straightforward in their communication styles and are not offended - for example - by swearing or passionate dialogue.

9. Avoiding pathologizing neurodivergent behaviours. Pathology is not only incorrect in many of its assumptions, but it is also harmful. Therapies that aim to behaviourally eliminate neurodivergent behaviours and reinforce masking have been shown to be harmful to neurodivergent people. This has led many in the Neurodiversity Movement to advocate for a ban on ABA, for example.

10. Providing support for self-advocacy and self-determination. One of the most challenging things neurodivergent people face, especially as they transition to adulthood, is developing the skills needed for independence. The institutionalization of neurodivergent people also contributes to this problem.

Most counsellors who market their services as being therapy for neurodivergent people simply mean that they have some experience in the area. That experience could be varied, and might include harmful approaches like ABA. Making sure your therapist employs practices that are safe for neurodivergent people is crucial. You will find that each therapist and agency has a slightly different approach as there is no regulation or standard of therapy for neurodivergent people.

What Therapy is Right for You?

The reason empathy between the client and therapist is so important for therapeutic success is that for therapy to work, the therapist must understand the client. It seems simple, but it’s also one of the most complex things that any person can do: know another person. Always make sure to choose a therapist who you can relate to, one that you feel safe talking with, and one who truly sees you as a human being.

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Note: There is some controversy around how the term “Neurodiversity” should be used. Miriam Webster says that Neurodiversity is not just the fact, but also “the concept [my emphasis] that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal…”. Miriam Webster’s definition is rejected by leading thinkers and trendsetters like Nick Walker who says that “neurodiversity” refers to the “biological fact” that humans have diverse brains, and that we should use the term “neurodiversity paradigm” to refer to “a perspective, an approach, a belief, a political position, or a paradigm.” Given that Neurodiversity is largely used by writers the way that Miriam Webster defines the word, I tend to agree with either use of the term. Furthermore, I disagree that neurodiversity is a biological fact because considerable research has shown that neurodivergence results from a varying combination of genetic and psychosocial factors, which can be different for each neurodivergent individual. In my opinion, it would be more correct to say neurodiversity is a fact, without focusing the meaning on biological factors alone. However, I am indebted to Walker for my general approach to using these terms.