NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING CARE
Therapy That Celebrates How Your Brain Works
Different brains aren't broken brains.
AT START, WE MEET YOU WHERE YOU ARE
We reject the idea that neurological differences are disorders to be fixed.
Neurodiversity is the understanding that human brains come in many varieties, and that differences in how we think, process information, and experience the world are natural and valuable variations, not deficits to be fixed.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy means working with therapists who understand and respect neurological differences, who won't try to make you "more normal," and who focus on supporting your wellbeing while honoring how your brain actually works.
You might be autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurological differences. You might have struggled your whole life to fit into systems and expectations that weren't designed for brains like yours. You might be exhausted from masking, overwhelmed by sensory input, struggling with executive function, or simply trying to navigate a neurotypical world that doesn't always make sense.
You deserve therapy that gets it. Where you don't have to explain why eye contact is uncomfortable or why certain textures are unbearable. Where stimming is welcome and communication preferences are respected. Where the goal is helping you thrive as yourself, not changing who you are.
You might benefit from neurodiversity affirming therapy if you're:
Autistic or self-identifying as autistic
Living with ADHD
Recently diagnosed or seeking understanding
Struggling with masking or burnout
Dealing with sensory overwhelm
Navigating executive function challenges
Working through trauma from not fitting in or being misunderstood
Seeking support for communication or social challenges
OUR APPROACH TO NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING CARE
We focus on supporting your well-being, building on your strengths, and helping you create a life that works for how your brain actually functions.
Evidence-Based & Adapted Approaches
We utilize therapeutic approaches adapted for neurodivergent individuals:
Adapted CBT that honors your thinking style
DBT Skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
Executive Function Support for practical life challenges
Trauma-Informed Care for experiences of rejection and not fitting in
Affirming Your Neurotype
Your brain isn't broken. We start from the understanding that neurological differences are natural human variation, and that struggles often come from a mismatch between how you're wired and what the world expects, not from something wrong with you.
Support for Specific Challenges
Unmasking safely and reducing autistic burnout
Executive function strategies and accommodations
Sensory regulation tools
Social situations and relationships
Self-advocacy and disclosure decisions
Late diagnosis processing
Supporting family members in understanding
Sensory Considerations
We understand sensory sensitivities and can adapt our environment. We're mindful of lighting, sounds, textures, and other sensory factors that might impact your comfort.
Creative Expression for Neurodivergent Communication
Creative arts offer alternative pathways that often work well for neurodivergent communication:
Art Therapy to express what words can't capture
Music Therapy for sensory regulation and expression
Drama Therapy to practice social situations in a safe space
Writing Therapy for those who communicate better through text
Rejecting Pathologizing Language
We use identity-first language when preferred (autistic person vs. person with autism), honor your self-identification, and focus on support rather than "fixing" behaviors that aren't actually problems.
Adapted Communication
We respect different communication styles and preferences. Direct communication is welcome. If eye contact is uncomfortable, we won't insist on it. If you need written summaries or visual supports, we provide them. We communicate in ways that work for you.
Understanding Neurodivergent Experiences
Our therapists understand sensory processing differences, executive function challenges, different communication styles, need for routine and predictability, special interests and hyperfocus, and the exhaustion of masking. You won't have to explain these things here.
Your Brain Works Differently, Not Wrong
Let's build support around how you actually function, not how others think you should.
Signs You Might Benefit from Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
You might benefit from working with one of our Neurodiversity Affirming specialists if you're experiencing:
→ If any of these resonate with you, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy can provide the tools, insight, and compassionate space you need to heal.
Exhaustion from masking or trying to appear "normal"
Sensory overwhelm impacting daily life
Social situations that feel confusing or draining
Burnout from trying to function in neurotypical systems
Recently diagnosed and processing what it means
Difficulty with executive function (planning, organizing, time management)
Struggling with self-acceptance or internalized ableism
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Neurodiversity Affirming Care
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It means we view neurological differences as natural human variation rather than disorders to be fixed. We focus on supporting your wellbeing and helping you thrive as yourself, not on making you more "normal." We reject therapies focused on compliance or appearing neurotypical.
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Yes. We understand that formal diagnosis can be expensive, inaccessible, or biased against certain populations (especially women, people of color, and adults). If you identify as neurodivergent, that's valid, and we'll work with you regardless of formal diagnosis. While unfortunately not through supported through insurance at START, if you are a cash or self paying client, we can diagnose autism or ADHD.
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ABA and similar approaches often focus on compliance, "normalizing" behavior, and eliminating natural neurodivergent expressions (like stimming) without regard for the person's actual well-being. We focus on supporting you in living authentically, not on making you appear more neurotypical.
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Absolutely. Many people aren't diagnosed until adulthood, and this can bring up complex feelings of grief, relief, anger, and identity shifts. We provide support for processing late diagnoses and figuring out what it means for your life.
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Yes. We can work with parents and family members to help them better understand and support their neurodivergent loved ones. We focus on acceptance, accommodation, and celebrating strengths.
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Exploration is welcome. We can help you understand your experiences and figure out whether neurodivergence describes you, without pressure to label yourself.
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Our therapists can provide clinical assessments and diagnostic clarification, but comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments require specialized neuropsychological testing. We can refer you to appropriate providers if formal diagnosis would be helpful.
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Many neurodivergent people also experience anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, or other challenges. We provide integrated support that addresses both your neurotype and co-occurring conditions.
Ready to Work With Therapists Who Celebrate Your Brain?
Let's build support around how you actually function and
help you thrive as your authentic, neurodivergent self.