Experience the Difference of Neurodivergent Affirming Care
Our practice holds the belief that neurodivergent conditions (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc) are normal variations in the human condition, in opposition to the medical model which views anything that varies from the norm as pathology. We respect neurodiversity and understand neurodivergence is an integral part of a person and their identity, not something to be cured or changed. Neurodivergence comes with unique challenges for the individual, and these will be acknowledged, honored, and accommodated during treatment.
What does this mean in practice?
Understanding you is a top priority. We work actively to customize therapeutic strategies to meet individual circumstances, specific hurdles, and barriers. We validate the reality of the struggle and provide compassion in response. We name and address resulting difficulties arising from the condition(s) to provide practical solutions that improve your life- we do not attempt to alter the inherent trait. We provide necessary support, accommodations, and work on skill development to empower authentic living. Neurodiversity will be discerned from pathology, and needs will be honored. We are educated in how autism and ADHD impact behavior, behavioral change, regulation, executive functioning, sensory needs, social communication, impulsivity, rigidity, interoception, time management, and burnout. We are informed of common medical and psychological comorbidities. We are trauma informed and will work with your nervous system. We want to nourish you in pursuit of special interests and care about your passions. We will provide education and answer follow up questions asked. We can provide additional resources that satisfy your curiosity on topics discussed in session (because we've been down the rabbit hole, too).
Unmask with us.
Come as you are. There is an understanding of direct communication, the need for clarifying questions, patience with rigidity, the benefit of the doubt for intent with missed social cues, an indifference to eye contact in session, a commitment to collaborative, creative, and shame free problem solving, and the rejection of a cookie cutter treatment model. We do not take demand avoidance personally and will work with you to come up with treatment goals and interventions aligned with your interests. We understand strong beliefs and passionate takes. We recognize the harm of applying neurotypical norms and the reality of neuro-minority stress. If you are shut down, you are welcome to respond via chat during session. Any target behaviors challenged will only be done so if they are actively perpetuating distress for the individual, not due to a social expectation or in an attempt to conform one to a neurotypical standard. We show up authentically, and hope to provide the consistent care, compassion, and safety you need to begin to do so as well.
Emotionally Safe Treatment
We will work within your window of tolerance, pause, and ground (or stim) when dysregulated. We will work together to build interoceptive awareness as needed to recognize body cues such as feelings and hunger, or we will discuss strategies on how to meet our needs in other ways. Intuitive eating can be a part of recovery if desired, but is not our gold standard for full recovery. Autistic traits will not be subject to therapeutic exposures unless explicitly and collaboratively decided upon as absolutely necessary for an individual to learn to tolerate in order to meet physical or safety needs. We will work with your support people, regardless of age and without judgement. We will provide realistic meal options and specialized meal plans with an expectation there will be more difficult days to accommodate high subjective units of distress.
Decreased Environmental Stress
Our practice policies were constructed with neurodivergent needs in mind. Our website is designed to be sensory friendly and coded in fonts easier to read for those with dyslexia. We offer virtual programming to allow for flexibility, increased care access, and the opportunity for you to receive care in a comfortable environment. We provide appointment reminders for convenience. We provide summaries of appointments upon request, set realistic goals week to week, and provide clear expectations and explanations for treatment.