Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy for Neurodivergent People | A Guide
My name is Dan Spring, and I provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy for neurodivergent adults in Ontario and British Columbia, including autistic adults and adults with ADHD.
Neurodivergent adults often struggle to find therapy that actually understands their experience. Many therapeutic approaches were not designed with neurodivergent people in mind, and some can unintentionally reinforce masking, burnout, or a sense of being misunderstood.
This guide explains what effective therapy for neurodivergent people looks like, how different approaches are used, and how to find a therapist who genuinely understands neurodiversity.
What is the Best Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?
The best therapy for neurodivergent adults is therapy that does not try to fix neurodivergence, but instead supports people in building a sustainable and meaningful life within an often inaccessible world.
Supportive therapy is not always as available as it should be. Neurodivergent adults and children frequently encounter approaches that do not fully account for differences in sensory processing, communication styles, or lived experience. Some therapies can be helpful, but even well-established modalities may miss key aspects of neurodivergent life.
At worst, therapy can become focused on reducing visible differences rather than supporting the person.
Effective therapy takes a different approach. It recognizes that distress often emerges from the mismatch between a neurodivergent person and their environment. It focuses on understanding the individual, rather than trying to reshape them into something they are not.
In my work, I use an approach called Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™, which I will explain later in this guide. This work often includes:
These are not peripheral issues. For many neurodivergent people, they are central to wellbeing.
What Do All These Terms for Therapy Mean?
When searching for therapy for neurodivergent people, you will likely encounter a range of terms:
These terms can be confusing, and they do not always reflect what actually happens in therapy.
Of these, neurodiversity-affirming therapy is the most widely recognized term. It is used in academic and counselling contexts to describe therapy that respects the dignity and humanity of neurodivergent people.
However, it is important to understand that neurodiversity-affirming therapy is not a specific method. It is a positioning or orientation. A therapist may use the term without meaningfully adapting their approach.
Some therapists who use this language have deep experience and offer highly effective support. Others may adopt the terminology without changing how they practice.
In some cases, the term is used primarily as a marketing strategy.
There are also therapists who define neurodiversity-affirming therapy in terms of what they avoid. For example, some explicitly avoid approaches like Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), which has a history that includes the dehumanization of neurodivergent people.
More broadly, many neurodiversity-affirming therapists avoid approaches that rely on conditioning, conformity, or exposure-based methods that push individuals to suppress their natural ways of being.
However, avoiding specific techniques is not enough on its own. Without a deep understanding of neurodiversity, a therapist can promote conformity using almost any modality.
What to Look for in Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
In addition to a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the approach a therapist takes is also very important to therapeutic outcomes. When looking for a therapist, consider whether they demonstrate the following:
1. A respect for the social model 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, that result from a mismatch between the way society is shaped and what neurodivegent people need.
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.
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-based 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 independence. 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.
What Therapist is Right for You?
Your relationship with your therapist is, in most cases, more important than the modality they employ. The reason that the relationship between a 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 and truly empathize with them. Always make sure to choose a therapist who you can relate to, one who you feel safe talking with, and one who truly sees you as a human being.
What is Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™?
Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™ (NAT) is an integrated, neurodiversity-affirming approach designed specifically for neurodivergent clients.
It is grounded in the idea that awareness of neurodiversity is essential for safe and effective therapy. This includes understanding the history of neurodivergent people, the impact of masking, and the ways that environments shape experience. With this in mind, NAT is designed to adapt to each client’s neurotype, perspective, and context.
Training in Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™ is structured in levels:
The trademark exists to ensure that the term is used consistently and that practitioners have completed appropriate training. This is intended to protect clients by maintaining a clear standard.
Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™, and training in this modality, is currently 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.
________________
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.
Neurodivergent adults often struggle to find therapy that actually understands their experience. Many therapeutic approaches were not designed with neurodivergent people in mind, and some can unintentionally reinforce masking, burnout, or a sense of being misunderstood.
This guide explains what effective therapy for neurodivergent people looks like, how different approaches are used, and how to find a therapist who genuinely understands neurodiversity.
What is the Best Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?
The best therapy for neurodivergent adults is therapy that does not try to fix neurodivergence, but instead supports people in building a sustainable and meaningful life within an often inaccessible world.
Supportive therapy is not always as available as it should be. Neurodivergent adults and children frequently encounter approaches that do not fully account for differences in sensory processing, communication styles, or lived experience. Some therapies can be helpful, but even well-established modalities may miss key aspects of neurodivergent life.
At worst, therapy can become focused on reducing visible differences rather than supporting the person.
Effective therapy takes a different approach. It recognizes that distress often emerges from the mismatch between a neurodivergent person and their environment. It focuses on understanding the individual, rather than trying to reshape them into something they are not.
In my work, I use an approach called Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™, which I will explain later in this guide. This work often includes:
- exploring masking and unmasking
- identifying sources of burnout
- understanding identity and self-concept
- developing strategies that align with a person’s strengths and environment
These are not peripheral issues. For many neurodivergent people, they are central to wellbeing.
What Do All These Terms for Therapy Mean?
When searching for therapy for neurodivergent people, you will likely encounter a range of terms:
- neurodivergent therapy
- neurodiverse therapy
- neurodivergent-affirming therapy
- neurodiversity-affirming therapy
- neurodivergence-informed therapy
These terms can be confusing, and they do not always reflect what actually happens in therapy.
Of these, neurodiversity-affirming therapy is the most widely recognized term. It is used in academic and counselling contexts to describe therapy that respects the dignity and humanity of neurodivergent people.
However, it is important to understand that neurodiversity-affirming therapy is not a specific method. It is a positioning or orientation. A therapist may use the term without meaningfully adapting their approach.
Some therapists who use this language have deep experience and offer highly effective support. Others may adopt the terminology without changing how they practice.
In some cases, the term is used primarily as a marketing strategy.
There are also therapists who define neurodiversity-affirming therapy in terms of what they avoid. For example, some explicitly avoid approaches like Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), which has a history that includes the dehumanization of neurodivergent people.
More broadly, many neurodiversity-affirming therapists avoid approaches that rely on conditioning, conformity, or exposure-based methods that push individuals to suppress their natural ways of being.
However, avoiding specific techniques is not enough on its own. Without a deep understanding of neurodiversity, a therapist can promote conformity using almost any modality.
What to Look for in Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
In addition to a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the approach a therapist takes is also very important to therapeutic outcomes. When looking for a therapist, consider whether they demonstrate the following:
1. A respect for the social model 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, that result from a mismatch between the way society is shaped and what neurodivegent people need.
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.
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-based 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 independence. 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.
What Therapist is Right for You?
Your relationship with your therapist is, in most cases, more important than the modality they employ. The reason that the relationship between a 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 and truly empathize with them. Always make sure to choose a therapist who you can relate to, one who you feel safe talking with, and one who truly sees you as a human being.
What is Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™?
Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™ (NAT) is an integrated, neurodiversity-affirming approach designed specifically for neurodivergent clients.
It is grounded in the idea that awareness of neurodiversity is essential for safe and effective therapy. This includes understanding the history of neurodivergent people, the impact of masking, and the ways that environments shape experience. With this in mind, NAT is designed to adapt to each client’s neurotype, perspective, and context.
Training in Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™ is structured in levels:
- Level 1 provides foundational knowledge about neurodiversity, neurodivergent experiences, and key principles of the approach
- Higher levels involve deeper training in applying the model as a full therapeutic modality
The trademark exists to ensure that the term is used consistently and that practitioners have completed appropriate training. This is intended to protect clients by maintaining a clear standard.
Neurodiversity Aware Therapy™, and training in this modality, is currently 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.
________________
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.
Oct 25 - Written By Dan Spring
