Supportive Resources for Neurodiverse Individuals
What if I wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood?
This isn’t uncommon- as more information becomes available about masking and high-functioning autism, more adults are seeking diagnosis than ever. There can be a period of validation and grief when receiving a diagnosis. Grief for the part that wanted support earlier and knew something felt different, and validation for the part that feels seen and understood.
What is Neurodiversity Affirming Testing?
We believe that different thinking styles, whether this is someone with ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum, have many unique strengths and differences. We focus on supporting individuals to understand how their differences impact them while providing resources to support you in areas of difficulty.
It isn’t uncommon for undiagnosed adolescents or adults to struggle with social relationships and integrating into the workforce. Understanding your areas of difficulty allows you to seek treatment options tailored to your unique thinking style, as well as seeking accommodations (such as working or studying in a space with minimal distractions, wearing noise reducing earplugs or headphones, avoiding bright/intense fluorescent lights, etc). Many individuals with sensory difficulties find that studying/working in spaces that accommodating and accepting creates a much different dynamic that allows for success.
What does adult testing include?
Testing for individuals over the age of 18 includes clinical interviews to understand your current and past lived experience
Discussion with supportive person(s) who knew you when you were younger
A thorough gathering of your childhood history and developmental years
Cognitive Testing; exploration of strengths and difficulties
Personality assessment and exploration of any comorbid diagnoses (research shows that individuals with ADHD and/or Autism commonly experience an anxiety, depression, or other mood difficulty as some point in their life)
Completion of various forms (self formers and observer forms)
ADHD testing if this is part of the presenting question
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Parents Guide to Autism.pdf (autismspeaks.org)
Autism Resources For Parents – The Ultimate Help Guide For Families (autismparentingmagazine.com)
Explaining neurodiversity to children brief video: https://youtu.be/HOoASAnYvKc?si=XhTxbZbRwNgL-18o
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Resources List:
Scanning your environment to prepare for your needs: Using an Environmental Scan to Anticipate and Care for Your Needs — Creature Comfort Therapy
Discussing your needs in the workplace: Workplace Disclosure Guide (thrivingautistic.org)
Book: What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum by Annie Kotowicz
Brief Video to explain neurodiversity to children
Female Youtuber who shares her neurodiversity experience
Autism Community Store- Sells sensory items for all ages
Weighted Neck wrap for Children (Dog): Amazon
Weighted Neck wrap for adults- 2 or 4 pounds: Amazon
*Note, items are suggestions; we do not receive commission not do we have any affiliation with the selling companies