Neurodiversity

Exploring the Spectrum in a safe, confidential space

What is Neurodiversity?

This term is used to describe the range of ways we connect with the world and communicate with it. Neurotypicals and neurodiverse people all exist within this world but as with so many areas, the ways of the wider majority of people have been considered ‘the norm’ for many years.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)are just two examples of what I prefer to call neurodevelopmental differences rather than disorders. With ASD, these differences are mostly around communication and social interactions, ways of thinking and sensory processing. Prevalence is estimated to be around 1-3% of the population in countries where it has been studied.

With increased scientific understanding, more research and an improvement in diagnostic tools and practices as well as greater awareness, more people are recognising and seeking information on their own ways of communicating and understanding and those of their children. They are questioning if they are neurodiverse and in doing so, increasing their knowledge on themselves and on others.

So, whilst popular perception might suggest a rise in cases, it is rather that more people are seeking diagnosis and screening and identification is getting better and happening earlier.

I have both personal and professional knowledge and experience with neurodiversity and find many people self-select to work with me who are questioning their neurodiversity, going through assessment or have a diagnosis.

My training in humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT as well as relaxation and creative techniques helps me to support clients wherever they are at in this process as well as with issues related to their interactions with the world, their mental health, their relationships or other areas of concern. With 14 years as a therapeutic practitioner working with young people and adults exploring, diagnosed and supporting neurodiverse family members, I offer a confidential space in person and online to help you and your loved ones. Please get in touch if you would like to talk more.

Want to know more about neurodiversity?

The BBC offers this very informative article on the history of ASD and the changing science and understanding around it…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20250509-why-autism-diagnoses-are-on-the-rise