Neurodivergence

Many of the therapists at Heal ATL specialize in providing support for neurodivergent individuals, understanding that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including Autism, ADH (commonly known as ADHD, but the second โ€˜Dโ€™ is pathologizing so we prefer to avoid it when we can), dyslexia, and more. We recognize that neurodivergence is not a deficit or disorder, but a natural variation of the human brain that brings unique strengths and challenges. Many of us are neurodivergent ourselves! Our goal is to offer a safe and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can explore their identities, address their concerns, and develop strategies to thrive in a world that may not always accommodate their differences. We are committed to providing neurodivergent-affirming care, which means respecting and valuing the diverse ways in which our clients think, process information, and experience the world. Many of our therapists are trained in understanding the unique experiences and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and are dedicated to offering empathetic and individualized support. We believe in a strengths-based approach, helping clients recognize and build upon their inherent abilities and talents. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, we empower clients to embrace their neurodivergent identities and advocate for their needs.

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for effective therapy, particularly for neurodivergent individuals who may have faced misunderstanding or stigma in the past. Our therapists prioritize building strong, trusting relationships with clients, ensuring they feel safe and respected throughout the therapeutic process. We encourage open communication and active participation, empowering clients to express their needs, preferences, and goals. By fostering a collaborative and non-judgmental atmosphere, we aim to create a space where clients can explore their identities, build self-esteem, and develop resilience.

Whether you have identified as neurodivergent or suspect that you are, our therapists at HealATL are here to help you. Our therapists work with women, men, and teens exploring their neurodivergence. While we absolutely validate self-identification, we also recognize the sense of belonging and and self-acceptance that can come from a professional affirming your identification. We do offer neuro-affirmative collaborative ADHD and Autistic identification if you are seeking answers or require documentation for accommodations at work or school or medication management with a psychiatrist.

Our practice is dedicated to advocating for and empowering neurodivergent individuals, recognizing the importance of self-advocacy and inclusion. We support clients in navigating societal challenges and systems that may not always accommodate their needs, providing them with tools and strategies to advocate for themselves effectively. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity within the broader community, promoting acceptance and inclusion. By empowering clients to embrace their neurodivergent identities and advocate for their rights, we strive to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.

Benefits of Therapy:

  • Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Helping individuals manage and understand their emotions more effectively.

  • Improving Social Skills: Developing and refining social interactions, communication skills, and relationship-building abilities.

  • Managing Co-occurring Conditions: Addressing associated conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

  • Building Coping Strategies: Developing practical strategies for managing stress, sensory sensitivities, and other challenges.

  • Achieving Goals and Self-Efficacy: Supporting individuals in achieving personal goals, improving daily living satisfaction, and enhancing self-confidence.

Neurodivergent people are also more susceptible to experiencing trauma than the general population. Anything that puts you under sufficient levels of stress can be potentially traumatic and could range from feeling unheard to not having our educational needs met in school. The world can be a hard place to inhabit for a neurodivergent person, dealing with traumatic sensory overload, bullying or social isolation, and differences in communication that can have a cumulative effect. This is compounded by the fact that these experiences are often invalidated or not accommodated by others around you. In addition, a lack of personal and clinical education combined with communication and social differences leaves many autistic people prone to abuse and maltreatment. Traumatic experiences like sexual victimization during childhood can have lifelong effects on mental health and quality of life.

The Autism Research Institute gives us the following facts: Sexual victimization of autistic youth is of particular concern. Current research on the prevalence of sexual victimization clearly shows that autistic individuals are at greater risk for unwanted sexual contact, violence, and victimization (Brown et al., 2017). Autistic youth are three to four times more likely than non-autistic youth to experience sexual victimization, and between 40% and 50% of autistic adults report experiences of sexual abuse during childhood (Thrundle et al., 2022; Gibbs et al., 2021; Gotby et al., 2018; Weiss & Fardella, 2018). Similarly, autistic adults report a higher prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse than the neurotypical population (Gibbs et al., 2021). A 2022 investigation into violence experienced by autistic adults found that 75.4% of participants reported sexual harassment, and almost 60% reported experiences of sexual violence compared to 56.4% and 28.2% reported by non-autistic participants (Gibbs et al.). Like the general population, female-presenting autistic individuals are at higher risk for experiencing sexual victimization and violence (Dike et al., 2022). An online survey found that as many as nine autistic women out of every ten have experienced sexual violence, where 75% of study participants reported that their first experience occurred during childhood or adolescence (Cazalis et al., 2022). 

Trauma-focused psychotherapy utilizes various therapeutic techniques designed to assist neurodivergent individuals in processing and recovering from traumatic experiences. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, to help clients process and integrate traumatic memories. Brainspotting, a newer therapeutic approach, involves identifying specific eye positions, or "brainspots," within the visual field that correlate with traumatic memories and emotions, aiding in emotional and physical trauma resolution. Other methods may include somatic experiencing and mindfulness-based interventions. We also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating body-based PTSD and associated symptoms and issues. By combining these therapies, tailored to your therapist's theoretical orientation and expertise, therapy can offer several benefits:

  • Symptom Relief: Therapy can significantly alleviate trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

  • Enhanced Coping Strategies: Clients develop practical skills to manage distress and enhance resilience.

  • Greater Self-Awareness: Therapy increases self-awareness and insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

  • Empowerment: Clients gain a sense of control and empowerment over their healing journey.

  • Emotional Integration: Therapy aids in processing and integrating traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.

  • Restored Sense of Safety: Clients build a sense of safety and security, both internally and externally.

If you are ready to heal and learn effective strategies to live a successful and productive life, we invite you to call us at 833-HEAL-ATL or send us an email!