Neurodivergence
What is neurodiversity?
There is little agreement about the definition of neurodivergent diagnoses, such as autism or ADHD, even amongst those responsible for providing a diagnosis. Diagnoses are based on identifying a number of behavioural traits but there can be many different reasons for a particular pattern of behaviour. So, I find it more helpful to consider neurodivergence in general.
Neurodivergence reflects any traits that are different from the majority, or people that might be considered to be neurotypical. As a neurodivergent counsellor, I find that neurodivergent clients benefit from having a counsellor who understands neurodiversity through lived experience. By talking about your differences, I can help you find self-acceptance. It can be transformative to identify as a normal neurodivergent person rather than a faulty neurotypical one.
We can also talk through your feelings about diagnosis, whether you have received a diagnosis or are considering seeking a diagnosis. For many, the increased self awareness and self worth they gain from counselling is enough.
Neurodivergent traits can be well masked or camouflaged to try and blend in, papering over a lifetime of feeling a bit different or weird. Many mental health problems result from the social pressures of trying to fit in, including a loss of your true sense of self. This sense of being weird and faulty can severely impact self esteem and self worth. You may also suffer with emotional overwhelm, exhaustion, sensory overload and burnout. The symptoms of trauma are often prevalent, both from the trauma of being different and from being vulnerable to abuse as a result of going along with demands of others.
Research suggests that as many as nine autistic women out of ten have been victims of sexual violence. So, it is not surprising that I found myself noticing that a lot of my clients who have experienced sexual abuse have either been diagnosed as autistic or suspect that they may be autistic , ADHD or AuDHD. The same seems to be true of male clients, although research on sexual abuse and autism has tended to focus on females.
I can help you come to terms with the vulnerability that your neurodivergent traits can result in due to living in a neurotypical world. I can also help you to identify and build on all the strengths that you have as a unique neurodivergent individual.
