Understanding Your Needs in Therapy as a Neurodivergent Person
Accessing mental health support as a neurodivergent person can come with unique challenges that neurotypical people may not have (but what’s new?!) It’s important that you feel comfy, understood and supported in session. When a therapist understands and affirms neurodivergent experiences, therapy can be genuinely helpful rather than becoming another source of stress or misunderstanding.
Creating a therapeutic relationship that actually works requires honesty, awareness, and clear communication (hopefully) right from the beginning. But we know it can be hard to communicate these needs with people we don’t know! This guide outlines some example questions to ask potential therapists to ensure they can provide neurodivergent-affirming care that respects you as a person and addresses your specific concerns.
Assessing a Therapist’s Understanding of Neurodivergence
Before committing to therapy, it’s important to understand your potential therapist’s knowledge about neurodivergent experiences. Consider asking:
- “What experience do you have working with neurodivergent clients with my specific neurotype (Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.)?”
- “How do you distinguish between symptoms of mental health conditions and neurodivergent traits?”
- “What is your approach to neurodivergent therapy versus therapy for neurotypical clients?”
- “Do you view neurodivergence through a medical model or a social model perspective?”
These questions help determine whether a therapist approaches neurodivergence as something to be “cured” or as a natural variation in human cognition that requires accommodation and understanding.
Discussing Communication Preferences in Neurodivergent Therapy
Communication differences are central to many neurodivergent experiences. Clear up potential misunderstandings by asking:
- “How do you handle direct communication styles that might seem blunt?”
- “Can we establish clear signals for when I need breaks during sessions?”
- “What options do you offer for non-verbal days or times when verbal communication is difficult?”
- “How flexible are you with alternative communication methods like text, email, or written notes?”
Establishing these parameters from the beginning creates a foundation of understanding that can prevent miscommunications and therapy ruptures.
Exploring Sensory Accommodations for Comfort
Sensory considerations can significantly impact the therapy experience. There is nothing worse than coming into a room and immediately feeling uncomfortable, overstimulated or overwhelmed. Consider asking:
- “Can we adjust the lighting, sound, or seating arrangements in your office?”
- “Do you offer alternatives to maintaining eye contact during sessions?”
- “Is it acceptable for me to use stim toys, fidgets, or engage in movement during our sessions?”
- “What options exist if I find your office environment overwhelming?”
A therapist’s willingness to make these accommodations often indicates their overall understanding of neurodivergent needs and experiences.
Understanding Different Modes of Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Being on the same page with your therapist of what they can offer and what is out of their scope will save you lots of time and money! Here are some example questions:
- “What therapy modalities do you use for neurodivergent clients specifically?”
- “How do you adapt standard therapeutic techniques to work with neurodivergent thinking styles?”
- “Do you offer flexible session formats, such as shorter, more frequent meetings or walking sessions?”
- “Can we incorporate special interests into our therapeutic work?”
These questions help determine if the therapist will work with your natural thinking and processing style rather than against it.
Discussing Advocacy and Systemic Barriers
Neurodivergent people often face systemic challenges that impact mental health. You are allowed to explore your therapist’s stance! Remember, you’re looking for someone to support and understand you, not someone who will want to change you. Here are some questions you can ask:
- “How do you address the impact of societal ableism on mental health?”
- “Can you help with advocacy letters or documentation for accommodations if needed?”
- “Do you have connections with neurodivergent community resources?”
- “How do you balance respecting neurodivergent traits while addressing genuinely distressing symptoms?”
A therapist who understands these structural issues can provide more comprehensive support beyond individual coping strategies.
Conclusion: Building a Foundation for Effective Neurodivergent Therapy
Finding appropriate mental health support as a neurodivergent person often requires additional effort, but asking these questions before committing to therapy can save considerable time, money, and emotional energy in the long run. Remember that you deserve care that affirms and accommodates you rather than treating it as a problem to overcome.
The most effective neurodivergent therapy happens when both therapist and client work with—not against—neurodivergent traits and needs. By clarifying expectations, communication styles, and approaches from the beginning, you create the foundation for a therapeutic relationship that truly supports your wellbeing and growth.
Our practice believes in community-centered, accessible care that meets each person where they are. We recognise that neurodivergent people have been historically underserved by traditional mental health systems, and we’re committed to providing therapy that respects the full diversity of human minds and experiences.
