Neurodiversity - Affirming Psychotherapy - Challenges and Guidelines
Abstract
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is a relatively new concept. Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges in their psychotherapeutic journey, as many mental health professionals do not seem to be neurodiversity-informed. Difficulties such as sensory non-friendly environments, misdiagnosis, biases on the part of therapists, as well as personal challenges like masking, appear to hinder the therapeutic process. This brief review aims to shed light on these difficulties and to suggest practices that can make therapy more neurodiversity-affirming. Future research is needed, along with the inclusion of the voices of neurodivergent individuals, both as professionals and as clients.
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