Do Your Child’s Differences Make Them Feel Alone And Misunderstood?

Is your child neurodivergent? Are they struggling to navigate a world that doesn’t understand them? Do they feel like no one values them or appreciates them for who they are? Are they having trouble forming deeper connections with people who are neurotypical?

Perhaps they’re struggling to keep up in school because they learn differently from other students. Maybe they’re having difficulty with sports and other physical activities that seem easy for all their friends. As a result, they might feel like they’re not good enough and suffer from low self-esteem. This could lead to feelings of isolation and cause them to avoid social events.

Parenting A Neurodivergent Child In A Judgmental Society Isn’t Easy

Your child’s struggles could be stressful for you as a parent. Society can be incredibly judgmental and unaccepting towards neurodivergent kids. As much as you want your child to fit in and succeed in school, you probably feel powerless to make sure those things happen.

You child deserves a space where they can freely be themselves with no reservations. Neurodiversity affirming therapy is a chance for them to feel worthy and accepted for who they are. What’s more, I also provide counseling for neurodivergent adults who feel misunderstood by society and would like extra support.

Our Neurotypical World Is Not Built To Accommodate Neurodivergent People

Roughly 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population is neurodivergent¹. Basically, a neurodivergent person is anyone whose brain works differently from the average person. Examples of neurodivergence include autism, ADHD, down syndrome, dyslexia, schizophrenia, dementia, color blindness, and left-handedness. Those with intellectual disabilities also fall on the neurodivergent spectrum.

Although there are far more opportunities for supporting neurodivergent populations today than in the past, we can still do much better. Schools and workplaces can still be very isolating for people who think and process things differently. Many general education teachers are not trained to work with neurodiverse children. Essentially, our society as a whole is not built to accommodate the needs of the neurodivergent.

Many Neurodivergent People Suffer From Low Self-Esteem

Because of how often neurodiverse people are ostracized and misunderstood, many of them struggle with low self-esteem. They might internalize what their teachers, coaches, or bosses tell them and believe themselves to be “lazy,” “slow,” “disobedient,” or “not good enough.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. Neurodivergent people are often incredibly intelligent and hardworking—they just operate differently from the norm. They may need more time on assignments, fewer distractions at work, and other accommodations in daily life.

As a therapist who works with both neurodiverse children and adults, I seek to honor the differences of my clients and empower them to be their best selves.

Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Is About Honoring Your Child’s Uniqueness And Playing To Their Strengths

Neurodivergences are something to be accepted and embraced, not fixed. There is nothing wrong with your child simply because they are on a different path than their peers. Their uniqueness should be celebrated and I want to help you do that while relieving any doubts or fears you have. Counseling is also a chance for us to figure out what steps we can take to increase your child’s independence and set them up for success.

I offer therapy for children and adults with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and any other neurodivergent conditions. No matter what the struggles of my client are, I seek to provide an atmosphere of safety, warmth, and unconditional acceptance.

What To Expect In Sessions

The treatment plan is adjustable depending on you and your child’s situation. During the intake process, you are welcome to meet with me one-on-one. This will give you a chance to share your difficulties openly and give me any important information regarding your child’s struggles.

Although the majority of sessions will generally involve just your child and I, you can still expect to play an active role in their journey (and you are still welcome to attend sessions if needed). Together, we can help your child find new social outlets, learn new conflict resolution skills, and get the accommodations they need.

Since I tailor my approach according to the needs of each client, therapy for neurodivergent adults looks different than therapy for neurodivergent kids. If you’re an adult struggling in the workplace, we can explore accommodations available at your job. I also want to help you learn to advocate for yourself and communicate your needs. After all, neurodiversity is often overlooked in adults, so I recognize that many people may not be very understanding.

Using Art Therapy To Help Neurodivergent Kids Tap Into Their Creative Spirit

As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, I use the power of creativity to help my clients soothe their emotions and improve their problem-solving abilities. For instance, a person with ASD can enhance their limited fine motor skills through the use of clay material. A child that has trouble focusing because of ADHD may be responsive to the calming, repetitive effects of cutting and gluing paper. And a non-verbal client may learn to develop verbal skills through the use of puppets. Art can act as a form of relaxation and a source of real-life skill-building at the same time.

The use of games is also very helpful for neurodiverse children. Playing interactive games with your child gives them a chance to hone their verbal skills while taking part in a fun, positive social interaction. For children with ADHD, using games in counseling can help them practice staying focused and on task.

No matter what your child’s struggles are, I am confident that the right support can help them flourish and grow into the best version of themselves. Rather than hide their uniqueness, I want them to embrace it—to find what makes them special, play to their strengths, and enhance their creativity. In the meantime, I want to show you how to be their biggest cheerleader and support them on their journey throughout life.

You May Have Some Questions About Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy…

Why should my child see a neurodiversity affirming therapist?

Neurodivergent people see the world and interpret it in their own unique way. So it stands to reason that therapy for them should be different than therapy for neurotypical people. In neurodiversity affirming therapy, I will honor your child’s unique perspective and help them understand that their differences are worth valuing and cherishing. I will also help them find solutions for navigating a neurotypical world that’s full of misunderstanding.

Does my child need to change who they are to succeed in life?

No, they don’t! The goal of therapy is to help your child succeed while being who they are. Besides, neurodivergent people are often incredibly creative and perceptive in ways that neurotypical people aren’t. The fact that their brains think differently is often an advantage, not a flaw. The key is understanding how to use this advantage in day-to-day life. As a therapist for the neurodivergent, this is what I specialize in helping kids figure out.

I’m tired and at a loss for what to do. How can I help my child?

It’s very normal to feel this way. Our society doesn’t properly accommodate the needs of neurodivergent kids and this can lead to feelings of hopelessness for both parent and child. The good news is that I have a lot of experience helping parents with neurodivergent children. Together, you and I can explore ways to help your child improve their communication skills, navigate social challenges, and find happiness and fulfillment. I can also help you find a little relief and explore areas of support that can benefit you during your stressful experiences.

Uniqueness Is A Gift Worth Celebrating

If you or your child would like to see a neurodiversity affirming therapist, I encourage you to connect with me. To get started, you can call 917-819-5014 or use the contact form to book a free, 15-minute phone consultation.

¹ Neurodiversity - NCI (cancer.gov)

Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy