Neurodiversity Including Autism and ADHD

Neurodiversity is a term that recognises and respects the natural variation in how people think, feel, learn, and relate to the world. It includes neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive or developmental variations. Rather than seeing these differences as deficits or disorders to be fixed, neurodiversity affirms that there is no one “normal” way for a brain to function.

For neurodivergent people, the world is often not designed with their needs in mind. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, or shame, not because there is something wrong with them, but because they are constantly required to adapt to environments that don’t accommodate how they process information, communicate, or connect.

At Inner View Psychology, we offer a neuro-affirming approach to therapy. We don’t aim to “normalise” you, we work with you to better understand yourself, reduce distress, and build a life that feels authentic and manageable on your terms.

Common Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals

Every neurodivergent person is unique, but some common experiences include:

• Sensory overwhelm or difficulty regulating sensory input
  
  
• Struggles with executive functioning (organisation, time management, focus)
  
  
• Fatigue or burnout from masking or camouflaging differences
  
  
• Social difficulties, misunderstandings, or feeling “out of sync” with others
  
  
• Heightened anxiety, especially in unpredictable or high-demand environments
  
  
• Low self-esteem due to years of feeling “different” or “not enough”
  
  
• Emotional regulation challenges or intense emotional experiences
  
  
• Difficulty navigating school, work, or traditional systems
  
  

These challenges are often made worse by environments that expect conformity, invalidate differences, or lack understanding of neurodivergent needs.

Therapy That Supports, Not Changes, Who You Are

Neurodivergent individuals often come to therapy having internalised the idea that they are “too much,” “not enough,” or “broken.” Therapy can provide an affirming space to unpack these messages, reduce shame, and build a more accepting and empowered sense of self.

We recognise that many neurodivergent people have experienced misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, or no diagnosis at all. Others may have had difficult experiences with past professionals who pathologised rather than understood their experiences. 

Therapy may focus on:

• Understanding your neurodivergent identity and how it shows up in your life
  
  
• Managing anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional dysregulation
  
  
• Reducing burnout and supporting recovery from masking
  
  
• Building self-compassion and challenging internalised ableism
  
  
• Improving relationships while honouring your communication style
  
  
• Navigating sensory needs, routines, and daily stressors
  
  
• Advocating for accommodations and identifying support systems