Embracing Neuro-diversity:

ADHD and Autism

In my practice, I assess individuals across all age groups for attention deficit disorder or ADHD, including the often overlooked, predominantly inattentive profile (that is without hyperactivity), sometimes referred to as ADD.

While I don't conduct formal autism assessments, I can facilitate screening assessment and help you consider options.

In my years of practice, I've been privileged to work alongside many clients across different age groups, who had been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism. Shifts in diagnostic criteria mean that we are now able to recognise that some people fit both, often referred to as AuDHD’ers.

We now see these “conditions” as falling under a bigger umbrella of neurodiversity and the clients themselves as neurodivergent (see explanation below). Seeing ADHD and Autism as naturally occurring differences in brains and nervous systems has helped in a growing movement to address stigma and marginalisation.

Currently, a significant portion of my clients are neurodivergent.

The field of neurodiversity is a complex and rapidly evolving one. Invaluable contributions and leadership is emerging from individuals with lived experience of neurodiversity, including neurodivergent researchers and practitioners.

Despite this progress, much remains to be understood - I find myself in a perpetual state of learning, striving to keep pace and learn from those with lived experience. Understanding and embracing the idea of neurodiversity has profoundly influenced my work in this regard.

Neurodiversity recognizes that each person's nervous system is unique; however most folk, referred to as “neurotypicals”, cluster fairly close together.  Neurotypicals are by definition the majority. The world is often designed in a way that works better for these “mid-range” nervous systems, than for those who are neurodivergent.  If someone is neurodivergent, their system deviates in some significant way or ways from this typical range.  Neurodiversity encompasses autism and ADHD, but includes other kinds of diverse nervous systems, such as someone with exceptional verbal or mathematical skills, or someone with a very reactive anxiety response.   

Historically, difference has often been met with judgment. When my left-handed Gran was young, left handedness was seen as decidedly undesirable and in need of correction. Her teachers set about “correcting” her left-handedness by forcing her to use her right. This caused a lot of distress, but no change. Other lefties struggled over their life to write with their non-dominant hand. Decades later we now understand the biological basis of handedness and accept this diversity without a blink of the eye, understanding the need for tailored accommodations. Left is no better or worse than right, just different, and of course there are those in between Lefties and Righties who have mixed dominance. While being left-handed may present challenges in certain situations, such as using right-handed scissors, it can also offer distinct advantages in others, like bowling or batting as a left-handed cricketer.  Understanding has brought acceptance. Not surprisingly as left handedness became more accepted we tended to have a slightly higher number of identified “lefties”, as there was no longer a need to hide left handedness.

Nervous systems are far more complex than handedness and people differ on many dimensions, so in some sense the two “boxes” of ADHD and Autism, are a somewhat simple way of capturing a much more complicated reality. They represent overlapping groups of people who differ from what is typical in similar but not identical ways.

One person’s ADHD or ausitm will look very different to another’s and need a different approach, depending on the particular profile.

I'll delve into the specifics of neurodiversity, and concepts like diversity vs "disorder," and diagnostic classifications in future posts, as there's much to explore.

If you or your child are considering or have recently received a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, or are trying to decide if pursuing a formal diagnosis is right for you, I'm here to provide guidance. We can discuss diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and the pros and cons of diagnosis. I am eager to journey with you and direct you to reputable resources where needed.