Neurodivergence is a term that describes natural variations in brain function, processing, and perception. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and other cognitive styles that differ from the dominant neurotypical experience. Being neurodivergent means that your brain works in ways that may not always align with societal expectations—but these differences are not deficits. They are simply different ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.

For many neurodivergent individuals, the challenges they face are not due to their neurotype itself but rather the struggle of existing in a society designed for neurotypical people. Expectations around communication, productivity, social interaction, and self-regulation are often built with neurotypical norms in mind, leaving neurodivergent individuals feeling out of step, misunderstood, or even pressured to mask their true selves to fit in.

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical society can make it difficult to be who we are. Instead of spending time and energy developing a sense of self with confidence and ease, many neurodivergent individuals find themselves devoting that energy to navigating overwhelming environments, masking their natural tendencies, or trying to meet expectations that don’t reflect their needs. When this struggle starts early in life, it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, shame, or a sense of disconnection from oneself.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At Resilience, we approach neurodivergence from a neuroaffirming lens. We do not see neurodivergence as something to be “fixed” or “normalized.” Instead, we work alongside our clients to explore how their neurotype shapes their experiences and to develop strategies that align with their unique way of thinking and feeling.

In sessions, we start by creating a space of trust where you can begin unmask, be yourself, and feel truly seen. Together, we may explore topics such as:

• Unlearning internalized ableism and self-judgment

• Managing sensory overwhelm and emotional regulation

• Developing self-advocacy skills in relationships, work, or school

• Finding sustainable routines and executive functioning strategies

• Processing past experiences of being misunderstood, overlooked, or invalidated

• Exploring identity, strengths, and ways to live authentically

Rather than forcing neurodivergent individuals to conform to neurotypical norms, we support clients in understanding and embracing their own needs. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are simply beginning to explore your neurodivergence, our goal is to provide validation, support, and practical tools to help you navigate life in a way that works for you.

We believe you deserve to move through the world as your full self—not as the version of you that others expect.

You are not broken. You are not "too much" or "not enough." You are worthy of support, understanding, and a life that honors your needs. If you’re interested in exploring therapy with us, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation.

Common Experiences

• A strong sense of justice or fairness

• Feeling like the world wasn’t built for you

• Deep focus on specific interests, sometimes to the exclusion of other tasks

• Difficulty understanding or following unspoken social rules

• Difficulty with routine changes or unpredictability

• Feeling disconnected from or unsure of your own identity

• Frequent overwhelm, burnout, or exhaustion from masking

• Experiencing meltdowns or shutdowns due to overstimulation

• Needing extra processing time for conversations or decisions

• Sensory sensitivities

• Struggles with executive functioning

• Struggles with self-advocacy or feeling misunderstood

Neurodivergence is not a flaw—it is simply another way of being human. At Resilience, we are committed to helping neurodivergent individuals build lives that feel fulfilling, sustainable, and authentic to who they are.

Therapists