Neurodivergent folks
Neurodivergent people are not a single group with a single experience. Some identify strongly as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise neurodivergent, while others see it as just one part of who they are. Some have known since childhood. Others come to understand it later in life.
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What many people share is the experience of moving through a world that is largely designed for neurotypical ways of thinking, communicating, and working. That can create challenges that are often misunderstood by others.
Some of the experiences neurodivergent people commonly bring to therapy include:
Rejection sensitivity
Many neurodivergent people experience strong emotional reactions to perceived criticism, rejection, or disapproval. Even small comments or changes in tone can feel intense or personal. These reactions are not about being “too sensitive.” They are often connected to how quickly the nervous system detects potential threat.
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Masking and camouflaging
Many people learn to hide parts of themselves in order to fit into neurotypical expectations. This might involve carefully monitoring how you speak, behave, or respond in social and work situations. Masking can help people get through certain environments, but over time it can become exhausting and may lead to burnout or a sense of losing touch with your authentic self.
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Daily life challenges
Executive functioning differences can make everyday tasks more difficult than they appear from the outside. Planning, organising, starting tasks, switching attention, managing time, or maintaining routines can require far more effort than people realise. Sensory sensitivities can also add another layer, making environments feel overwhelming or unpredictable.
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Social fatigue and misunderstanding
Many neurodivergent people describe feeling misunderstood in social situations. They may be perceived as too intense, too quiet, too blunt, or simply different. Social interaction can be meaningful and enjoyable, but it can also require a lot of effort, particularly when you are constantly monitoring how you come across.
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Identity, belonging, and self-acceptance
Understanding your neurodivergence can take time. For many people, learning more about it helps make sense of past experiences and difficulties that once felt confusing or personal. Having language for these differences can bring a sense of relief and open up new ways of understanding yourself.
With me, you do not need to explain the basics of neurodivergence or justify your experiences. I understand the realities of sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, rejection sensitivity, and the emotional labour of masking. We can focus on what your day-to-day life actually looks like, what drains your energy, what supports you, and how to work with the way your brain functions rather than constantly fighting against it.