Understanding and
Supporting Neurodivergence
Support for Neurodiversity in Therapy
Therapy for neurodivergent people is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that values individual differences in thinking, communication, and sensory experience. The focus is not on changing who a person is, but on understanding their unique profile, reducing distress, and building ways of living that feel more sustainable and supportive.
An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach can be helpful in developing psychological flexibility by supporting people to notice and make space for difficult thoughts and feelings without becoming stuck in self-criticism or avoidance. Therapy also places strong emphasis on identifying personal values and taking meaningful steps aligned with them, in ways that work with, rather than against, a person’s neurodivergent traits.
Psychoeducation is often an important part of the process, helping people better understand their neurodivergence, including how it may relate to attention, energy, sensory processing, communication, and emotional regulation. This understanding can reduce shame, support self-compassion, and inform practical strategies that are tailored to individual needs and environments.
Neurodiversity describes the concept that differences in how people think, process information, communicate, and experience the world are natural variations of the human brain. It recognizes that conditions such as autism and ADHD are not deficits to be “fixed,” but part of the diversity of human cognition.
A neurodiversity-informed approach focuses on understanding individual strengths, needs, and experiences, and supporting people to live in ways that are more aligned with how they function best. This may include reducing barriers, building supportive strategies, and promoting environments that are more inclusive and sustainable.
What is Neurodiversity?
Common Forms of Neurodivergence
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect attention, organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. People may experience difficulties with focus, time management, task initiation, forgetfulness, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday demands. ADHD can also impact self-esteem, particularly when these difficulties have been misunderstood or attributed to a lack of effort.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence communication, social interaction, routines, and sensory processing. Autistic people may have a strong need for predictability or experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input such as noise, light, or crowded environments. Many people also experience exhaustion from masking or from trying to meet social expectations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD/Autism)
Learning Differences & Disabilities
Learning differences can affect the way a person processes, understands, or communicates information. This may impact reading, writing, organization, attention, or learning speed, and can contribute to stress, frustration, or reduced confidence over time.
Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction refers to difficulties with planning, organizing, initiating tasks, managing attention, and maintaining routines. People may know what needs to be done but still struggle to begin or follow through, often leading to overwhelm or self-criticism.
Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory processing differences involve increased or reduced sensitivity to sensory input such as sound, light, textures, smells, or busy environments. Sensory overwhelm can affect stress levels, concentration, emotional regulation, and day-to-day functioning.