Neurodivergent November with KDH Collective

The beauty of being KDH Collective-a group of neurodivergent clinicians and scholars-is that we bring both lived experience and clinical rigor to our work. As neurodivergent professionals, we have a deep commitment to understanding our own neurotypes as well as the neurodivergent neurotypes of our clients. We have been affectionately referring to November as Neurodivergent November, and as both our field and our collective knowledge continue to evolve, we are using this month to share the newest neurodivergent research and neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic techniques that are shaping modern clinical practice.

What does Neurodivergent mean?

Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose brains develop or function differently from what is considered typical or “neurotypical.” This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, and other neurological differences. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the neurodiversity framework recognizes neurodivergence as natural variations in human cognition, processing, communication, and sensory experience.

This blog is going to be a little different than some of the others. We interviewed a few of the clinicians, asking them a series of questions about what they have been learning, what resources they have been using, and how their understanding of neurodivergence is impacting them personally and in the therapy room. Check out their responses below.

Question: What have you learned recently about neurodivergence that you have found to be helpful in working with neurodivergent clients?

"Learning how folks with ADHD conceptualize time has been tremendously helpful in practice and informs how I assist them in terms of task initiation and completion."

"Exposure and response prevention (ERP) may look different for Autistic clients, and we want to work with Autism, not against it. As clinicians we need to stay flexible!"

"I have learned just how truly impactful it can be to just explore and validate a neurodivergent client's experience. So many neurodivergent individuals operate under the assumption that they are broken or weird because of the neurotypical framework they've tried to assimilate into their whole lives. By creating a space for exploring, understanding, and accepting their experiences, we empower our clients to be and work with themselves, rather than what the world wants them to be."   

"I have been diving deep into some of the conditions that frequently co-occur with Autism and ADHD, like disordered eating and substance use, as well as the impact of menstruation and menopause on the experiences of Autistic folks. So many of my clients struggle with these things and tell me that traditional therapy has not been helpful for them. This has been really reinforcing the need for neurodiversity-affirming therapy for me."

"What is the relationship between Neurodivergence and Dissociation? This topic is seldom addressed in advanced trauma classes, yet it is crucial. When we observe dissociation, what are we truly seeing? Is it merely dissociation, or could it be Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, or ADHD? Or perhaps a combination? Dissociation is often the focal point in trauma work, with minimal focus on Neurodivergence. What if we are overlooking a vital aspect of understanding our clients?"

Question: What resources can clinicians access to learn more about neurodivergence and the topics you have been learning about lately?

"Ari Tuckman, PsyD, is one of the coolest professionals speaking, writing, and contributing to the field of ADHD. I recommend his website: https://adultADHDbook.com for more."

"I love that the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has a special interest group focusing on OCD and Autism, and anyone can join! It's a great opportunity to connect with and learn from others in the community. You can find it at: https://iocdf.org." 

"Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD, is a great book for clinicians and clients alike. Clinicians can gain a better understanding of the Autistic experience, and it has also been very affirming for the clients and support systems I have recommended it to."

"I guess I'm going to be that guy and plug my own work a bit here. I spent a good amount of time trying to understand the influences leading to higher rates of disordered eating and substance use among Autists vs. Allistics (or not Autistic people). It's very nerdy and very scientific, so be prepared! You can find it here: https://www.kdholmeslpc.com/kdh-collective/autism-addiction-and-disordered-eating-oh-my."

Looking to learn more?

Check out these recommended blogs from KDH Counseling and KDH Collective.

• ADHD 101 from Monet David, MS, LPC
  • This blog serves as a good introduction to an overview of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, including common symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It offers insights into the challenges and strengths of living with ADHD, and provides tips for supporting individuals with the ADHD neurotype.
• Differentiating OCD from Anxiety Disorders from KD Holmes, LPC
  • This blog emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis in distinguishing between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and other anxiety disorders. It highlights the challenges of diagnosing OCD, particularly in Autists and ADHDers, and emphasizes the need for careful observation, curiosity, and a deep understanding of symptom presentation to make accurate diagnoses and provide effective treatment.
• Understanding Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: ADHD, Autism, and Sensory Differences from KD Holmes, LPC
  • Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is a new approach that centers and supports neurological differences, differing from traditional therapy by acknowledging and validating these differences, rather than pathologizing them. This approach focuses on the individual's unique needs and strengths, using personalized interventions to help them thrive.
• No Neat Label from Isla Turner, MS, LPC
  • In this blog, Isla shares personal experiences of living while neurodivergent, discussing challenges and emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity, advocating for accommodations, and building a supportive community.

Explore our collection of courses on Neurodivergence offering continuing education for mental health clinicians, and register now!