Neurodiversity is a term which is used to describe someone whose brain works in a different way to others.
There are many ways someone can present with neurodiversity, but in this blog, I am going to focus on ASD (autism spectrum disorder and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Neurodiversity cannot be prevented, treated or cured. It is something that is inherent in the make-up of your brain, and therefore an integral part of who you are. It is something that you can learn to live with and to manage well.
You may have been diagnosed with ASD or ADHD. Or you may be waiting for a diagnosis. You may suspect that you have traits related with neurodiversity and be interested in exploring this further.
Some people may have had their neurodiversity recognized and diagnosed in childhood. Others may realise at a much later age that they have indeed been living with ASD or ADHD all their lives and just not recognized it.
For some people, earlier diagnoses may have been ignored or dismissed and embracing their neurodiversity as adults may be a completely new beginning.
Some people are very keen to have a diagnosis of their neurodiversity. Others are happy with not seeking a diagnosis and would rather remain undiagnosed. There is no right or wrong, it’s just a matter of preference.
As a counsellor, it is important to point out that I am in no way qualified to make a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD. This is generally done by a specialist psychiatrist.
The first port of call is you are seeking a diagnosis for possible autism or ADHD is your GP, who will point you in the right direction.
NHS diagnoses can be a long process, so many people choose to pay for a private psychiatrist diagnosis. These are done swiftly and can even be done by video call.
There are several ways that counselling can help someone living with ASD and/or ADHD.
Counselling can help you to come to terms with your diagnosis, or your new awareness of your neurodivergence. A new diagnosis or awareness of neurodivergence can be unsettling and uncomfortable at first, as well as being very empowering for many people. As with any big change, you will need help to process and understand what it means for you and to adapt to a new identity.
Counselling can help you to settle into and make sense of your new identity, as someone living with ASD or ADHD, or both. Coming to see your neurodivergence as a healthy part of who you are, will mean reflecting on and processing on past experiences and seeing yourself and your character and behaviours through a whole new filter.
Counselling can also help you to develop coping strategies for living with your neurodivergence. You will probably have developed many ways of coping with your neurodivergence over your lifetime, some healthy and some not so healthy. Counselling can help you to develop and strengthen healthy ways of coping as a neurodivergent person.
As a neurodivergence-aware counsellor, if I know that you are, or may be neurodivergent, I will work with you in a way that best meets your needs. Any adjustments that need to be made can be discussed and implemented during consultation, and I will do my best to ensure that your therapy suits your individual needs.
Ryan Grey Counselling 