Earlier this year, I underwent psychological testing and discovered I am on the autism spectrum. This realization has led to a lot of reflection around how I show up as a human and a psychotherapist. I wanted to share a few of these realizations, for those of you who may be looking for a trauma-informed, neurodiverse psychotherapist.
1 . What is neurodiversity? Judy Singer, a sociologist who has autism, started using the term "neurodiversity" in the late 1990s. It refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. And people who have these features also have certain strengths. Devon Price, the author of Unmasking Autism, creates a wider umbrella for neurodiversity to include many different types of mental health diagnosis that can create brain variations such as: ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. My version of neurodiversity, which presents mostly as Aspergers (the now-obsolete term for autism without intellectual disability), means I have deficits in how I socialize, verbalize, and connect with other humans.
2. How can I benefit? One of the hallmarks of autism in the brain is the connectivity differences. Which is to say:
“certain brain regions show high interconnectivity in autistics and comparatively reduced connectivity in neurotypicals, while other brain regions show lower connectivity in autistics and comparatively elevated connectivity in neurotypicals.” (Embrace Autism, connectivity)
Having a neurodiverse psychotherapist can benefit a person who is wanting someone to look at them, their problems or symptoms, in a different way. Having a neural adaptation that views the world through a difference lens can provide perspectives to help assist clients in a change in mindset and even behavior change.
3. Feedback can be tailored. Another hallmark of being on the autism spectrum is my ability to deliver honest feedback. The common problem with my unfiltered version of feedback, is it can come off as too blunt, too direct, or even hurtful. I have learned over the years, that if I have an insight or feedback for clients, to ask first if they want the feedback. As a client, I may even ask if you want feedback presented in a direct fashion, or in a more indirect way. As a rule of thumb, I am able to assess and provide this feedback quickly upon meeting most clients.
4. Relatability as a form of connection. The final realization I wanted to share in hiring a neurodiverse therapist, is that being able to relate is a part of how I connect. In reading various books and articles on autism, one of the ways I learn to connect is by finding common ground. Very often, this could be perceived as making someone else’s topic about me, or disclosing too much about myself as a therapist. If you are noticing that I am relating to you in a session, within appropriate boundaries, it is a way to let you know you are not alone. My goal in relating is to provide connection that is inclusive, and I continue to work on my relatability with all my clients.
If you are reading this, and are also neurodiverse, I would love to hear from you! The more our world is able to embrace all forms of neurodiversity, the more we are all able to be ourselves. I can provide general guidance and feedback for anyone who is looking for a more supportive experience, whether as a psychotherapy client, professional, or human in this world. Please email me or apply to become a client. I look forward to hearing from you!
Diffusion MRI of the human brain. (Image source: Human Connectome Project)