This week on the blog, I am excited to share a guest post from my colleague, Vinita Menon. Vinita and I recently connected over our shared work with autistic adults and our affiliation with Psypact, which allows us to provide telehealth services across multiple states.

While I primarily focus on psychological evaluations and refer clients for ongoing therapy, Vinita specializes in working with adults and older adolescents who are processing new diagnoses. I asked her to share insights into her work to help illustrate how therapy can be beneficial for neurodivergent individuals.

Navigating Life’s Transitions as a Neurodivergent Individual

Life’s transitions can be challenging for everyone. However, if you are neurodivergent, these transitions can feel overwhelming. You may have been described as “quirky” or “unique,” and you might struggle with focus, organization, or social interactions. Growing up, you may have been told to “just try harder” to fit in, but you likely felt that there was more to it than just effort.

On the other hand, you may also be someone with a big heart and strong attention to detail. You might excel in areas like math, music, or pattern recognition. Despite these strengths, the energy required to fit into societal expectations can feel exhausting.

Understanding these challenges can be the first step in creating meaningful change. Below are some common thoughts, feelings, and experiences that individuals with autism or ADHD may encounter. These are also the starting points for setting goals in therapy.

Common Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals

Intrusive Thoughts and Cognitive Patterns

Do you:

Get lost in your thoughts and “check out”?
Struggle with understanding dishonesty, manipulation, or disloyalty?
Feel confused by words with multiple meanings?
Notice patterns frequently and remember things in visual pictures?
Remember exact details about past experiences or someone’s life?

Managing Daily Life

Do you:

Need things to be “just so”?
Struggle with organization and multitasking?
Have heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, temperatures, or smells?
Feel self-conscious about sensory sensitivities and try to mask them?

Social Interactions

Do you:

Excel at camouflaging/masking social confusion?
Find comfort in imitating people from TV or movies?
Make friends more easily with older or younger individuals than with peers?
Feel more comfortable escaping to another room at social gatherings?
Struggle to make or maintain friendships?
Tend to overshare or, conversely, hold in many thoughts and feelings?
Feel that conversations are exhausting or that you lack a “conversation gene”?

Sense of Self

Do you:

Feel torn between wanting to be alone and wanting to fit in?
Change behaviors based on the environment and the people around you?
Feel younger on the inside than your actual age?
Experience relief when avoiding social interaction but also feel guilty about it?
Feel as if you are constantly being watched or “performing” for others?
Need large amounts of downtime or alone time to recharge?

How Therapy Can Help

If you have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD, or if you suspect you may be neurodivergent, therapy can help you navigate your challenges. At Thrive Collective, we use a biopsychosocial model of care, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors in therapy.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

Therapy offers a non-judgmental, safe space to explore habits, patterns, and coping mechanisms. We work together to:

Identify behaviors and choices that may be hindering your happiness and success.
Develop strategies for behavior change.
Improve mood regulation and emotional resilience.
Practice social skills and improve communication.
Track habits and develop healthier routines.

Most importantly, therapy provides a supportive partnership. Your therapist will accept you as you are, celebrate your progress, and help you find ways to thrive.

About Vinita Menon

Vinita Menon is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist specializing in autism, ADHD, and anxiety across the lifespan. She offers telehealth services in 20 states (and counting!), allowing her to stay connected with young adult and college-age clients.

For more information, visit her website: www.mythrivecollective.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can therapy help neurodivergent individuals?

Therapy can help by providing coping strategies, behavioral adjustments, and emotional support tailored to the unique challenges of autism and ADHD. It offers a space for self-exploration, skill development, and personal growth.

2. What is the biopsychosocial model used at Thrive Collective?

The biopsychosocial model considers biological, psychological, and social factors when developing treatment plans. This holistic approach ensures that therapy addresses all aspects of a client’s well-being.

3. How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you struggle with organization, social interactions, emotional regulation, or feeling misunderstood, therapy may be beneficial. Speaking with a therapist can help determine if professional support aligns with your needs.

4. Can therapy be done via telehealth?

Yes, Vinita Menon provides telehealth therapy sessions in multiple states, making therapy accessible from the comfort of your home.

5. How can I schedule an appointment with Vinita Menon?

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.mythrivecollective.com.

Conclusion

Therapy offers neurodivergent individuals the tools and support needed to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. By working with a professional like Vinita Menon, individuals with autism or ADHD can develop strategies to enhance their well-being and achieve their personal goals. If you’re interested in therapy, consider reaching out and taking the first step toward self-understanding and growth.