Neurodiversity: A Cultural Awakening
Awareness is expanding about the vastness of the spectrum of neurodiverse presentations and experiences, particularly with autism and ADHD.
Misconceptions and stereotypes have resulted in many high-masking, camouflaging, internalizing neurodivergents being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. For example, studies now acknowledge a “lost generation” of autistic adults.
Historically treated as mutually exclusive, new research shows that 50–72% of contributing genetic factors overlap between ASD and ADHD¹. Most people with autism also have ADHD, and many ADHDers also have autism³.
Evolving understandings of neurodiversity support accommodation and signal hope for children and adolescents. For neurodivergent adults, insights resulting from self-discovery can be healing epiphanies.
Formal diagnosis may not always be accessible or desirable. My priority is to attune to and facilitate your individual process.
Resources
“There is little knowledge within the scientific community about what the AuDHD experience is like. Listening to members of the AuDHD community can provide a lot of insight about experiences which ‘official research’ have yet to capture.”
Embrace Autism — (Website) The ultimate autism resource: self-tests, articles, resources, and more, including ADHD
Neurodivergent Insights — (Website)Mental health & wellness resources with the neurodivergent person in mind
Unmasking Autism — (Book) Bestseller by Devon Price, PhD
Unmasking for Life — (Book) Support and guidance for exploring unmasking by Devon Price, PhD
ADHD 2.0 — (Book) by Edward M. Hallowell, MD & John J. Ratey, MD
Dirty Laundry — (Book) ADHD, shame, and support by Roxanne Emery & Richard Pink
Laziness Does Not Exist — (Book) Another gem by Devon Price, PhD
Living Well on the Spectrum — (Book) by Valerie L Gaus, PhD (uses outdated language)
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You — (Book) ADHD, autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder in women, by Jenara Nerenberg
How to ADHD — (YouTube channel) Lots of evidence-based tools and information
Hacking Your ADHD — (Podcast) Techniques for support with ADHD
ADHD Essentials: Medication Part 1 & Part 2 — (Podcast) Discussing non-stimulant & stimulant options
Self-Identified Adult Autism Resources — (Handout) from the University of Washington
PDA North America — (Website) Information and support for this distinct autism profile relating to control, autonomy, and demand response
“Females with Aspergers Non-Official Checklist” — (Webpage) Useful regardless of gender identity
Neuroclastic (Website) — The autism spectrum according to autistic people
Neurowonderful (Blog) — Autism Resources/Information Masterpost blog
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (Website)
Kido Psychological Services — (Website) Diagnostic testing in Vancouver, WA
Adventure Psychological Services — (Website) Diagnostic testing in Vancouver, WA
Lavender Spectrum Health — (Website) Neurodiversity and gender affirming primary care, medication management, and more in Vancouver, WA