Neurodivergence and Therapy

So, here’s the deal: a ton of therapies popped up before we really got a grip on what

neurodevelopmental differences like autism, ADHD, and DCCs are all about. Back in the day, many of these approaches tried to "fix" the traits of neurodivergent individuals, thinking there was something wrong that needed to be corrected. And guess what? Some of that mindset is still hanging around today, which is kind of wild when you think about it.

Now, neurodivergence and trauma have been linked for a long time, and it’s super important to really listen to what neurodivergent folks are saying. They’re out here asking for therapies that genuinely respect their unique ways of thinking, feeling, behaving, and experiencing the world around them. A supportive therapy should recognize these neurological differences as just that—differences, not something that needs fixing. Therapy sessions should focus on tackling everyday stress, managing sensory overload, and combating that relentless fatigue that comes from navigating a world that often feels like it’s not designed for us.

That’s where neurodiversity-affirming therapy comes in. It’s all about empowerment and recognizing the unique value that we neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, along with the challenges we face. This kind of therapy is a game-changer because it helps us advocate for ourselves and make choices that enhance our well-being, both now and in the future. It’s about embracing who we are and finding ways to thrive in a world that sometimes feels a bit out of sync with our needs.

A method that really helped me was DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It’s all about handling strong emotions, dealing with sensitivity to rejection, and boosting distress tolerance by using mindfulness and emotional regulation.

There's also ACT, which stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It's all about helping you accept your emotions, let go of negativity, stay present, and live according to your values. There are also therapies that focus specificallky on our mind-body connection, helping people handle chronic stress, burnout, and unmask safely.

People are still debating about CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Some folks have managed to tweak it for neurodivergent individuals, but it's not always the best option around.

I want to say a word about ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis. Many adult autistics and neurodivergent people report trauma related to this approach. It is an approach that seeks to make us look neurotypical. I know this is a controversial topic, but I said what I said.

Ultimately, I’d say there are loads of options available, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all deal. I'm just really thankful that we now have neuro-affirming therapies that can help us out.