Neuro means nervous system, and diverse means ‘variety’ or ‘very different’. Being neurodivergent is when your brain, spinal cord and nerves, aka: the communication system which controls every move and function of your entire body, work very uniquely compared to those of most other people. If you’re neurodivergent, let us assure you: there are talents, skills and awesomeness within your reach that the rest of the world can’t even dream about!
Neurodiversity: Like biodiversity; for brains.
Neurotype: your brain style. This could be Neurotypical, Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, OCD, and more.
Neurotypical: a term used to describe individuals with the most common neurological style.
Neurodivergent: a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and
function differs from that of the majority. I.e. Autistic individuals and ADHDers.
Allistic: a term used to describe people who are not Autistic.
Neurodiversity-affirming: accepting and supporting the view that the human brain is naturally
diverse, and that individual differences in brain style are the result of variations in human
evolution, as opposed to ‘disorders’ that 'need to be cured.’
Neurodiversity-informed: being educated and knowledgeable about the presentations,
experiences and needs associated with a variety of brain styles, and not just the most common
one.
As psychologists, our role is to work with people and their brains.
In a diverse world, effective practice involves working with various brain types. However, mainstream research often centers around one kind of brain: the typical kind.
The majority seeking psychological treatment often do not have the typical kind of brain. Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals are more likely to have psychiatric disorders.
This poses a challenge: those seeking treatment are the least likely to receive tailored interventions for their unique brains. Traditional psychological approaches may not work for neurodivergent individuals.
At Treat Yourself Well Sydney, we recognize that different brains respond best to different approaches. We adapt evidence-based treatments to the needs of any brain style.
We stay informed through daily research.
We prioritize neurodivergent-centered and neurodivergent-led research.
We actively listen to our neurodivergent clients and incorporate their feedback into our approaches.
While traditional approaches are designed for neurotypicals, at Treat Yourself Well Sydney, we acknowledge that some neurotypicals may benefit from tweaked approaches.
Self-identification is often sufficient, but formal assessments become necessary for those with moderate to high support needs.
Treat Yourself Well Sydney offers comprehensive Autism and ADHD assessment services for children and adults. These assessments prioritize client goals and are preceded by thorough screening.
Our goal is not to 'treat' ADHD or Autism but to address real problems through a neurodiversity-informed lens. We provide additional support and direction for accessing relevant services.
We offer support sessions for parents and loved ones of neurodivergent clients. This includes processing assessment results, developing effective support strategies, and navigating difficulties through a neurodiversity-informed lens.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, or more severe issues like eating disorders or trauma, we're here for you. Treat Yourself Well Sydney aims to break the cycle of square pegs forced into round holes. It's time to take care of you.
Respecting and Listening:
We prioritize respecting and actively listening to the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Strengths-Based Approach:
Our focus is on strengths rather than deficits, promoting a positive and empowering perspective
Neurotype/Identity/Culture Model:
We embrace the neurotype/identity/culture model, explicitly using the medical/pathological model primarily for diagnostic purposes.
Sensory/Somatic Support:
We appreciate, listen to, and provide support at the sensory/somatic level, acknowledging the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
Environmental Adaptation:
We adapt our environment whenever possible and encourage support networks to do the same, ensuring a conducive setting to meet neurodivergent needs.
Support, Not Modification:
Our therapies and support strategies are designed to support neurodivergent individuals, not to change or modify them to fit conventional norms.
Informed by Neurodivergent Individuals:
Our work is informed by neurodivergent individuals, including but not limited to researchers, writers, speakers, and presenters, ensuring a diverse and inclusive perspective.
References
1 Choi, W. S., Woo, Y. S., Wang, S. M., Lim, H. K., & Bahk, W. M. (2022). The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in adult ADHD compared with non-ADHD populations: A systematic literature review. PloS one, 17(11), e0277175.
2 Li, Z., Halls, D., Byford, S., & Tchanturia, K. (2022). Autistic characteristics in eating disorders: Treatment adaptations and impact on clinical outcomes. European Eating Disorders Review, 30(5), 671- 690.
3 Lugo-Marin, J., Magan-Maganto, M., Rivero-Santana, A., Cuellar-Pompa, L., Alviani, M., Jenaro-Rio, C., ... & Canal-Bedia, R. (2019). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 59, 22-33.
4 Pehlivanidis, A., Papanikolaou, K., Mantas, V. et al. Lifetime co-occurring psychiatric disorders in newly diagnosed adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or/and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). BMC Psychiatry 20, 423 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02828-1
To learn more or to enquire about our neurodiversity affirming practices, contact us at: info@treatyourselfwell.com.au, or give us a call on (02) 9555 4810.
