In recent months, I have been involved in several discussions within neurodivergent communities on social media, particularly among those in the UK, and a troubling sentiment has emerged. Many individuals with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions are expressing that therapy simply doesn’t work for them. This isn’t just a passing thought but a deeply ingrained belief that traditional therapy often fails to address their unique needs, leaving them feeling misunderstood and unsupported.
This growing discontent is particularly evident in how these individuals describe their experiences. Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other related conditions, experience the world in fundamentally different ways from their neurotypical peers. These differences don’t just affect their day-to-day lives but also significantly influence how they engage with therapy. Unfortunately, many report that
therapy sessions leave them feeling more alienated than helped.
During one particular discussion in a Facebook group dedicated to neurodivergent individuals in the UK, I was struck by the sheer volume of comments expressing frustration with their therapy experiences. Many participants shared that they felt their therapists didn’t truly understand their struggles or how their neurodivergent minds operate. One comment that stuck with me was, “Therapy feels like a waste of time because my therapist just doesn’t get what it’s like to live with ADHD.” This wasn’t an isolated sentiment; it was echoed by many others who felt that their therapists lacked the necessary understanding and expertise to truly help them.
What was even more concerning to me was that most of the people I spoke with had no idea whether their therapists had received any specific training in working with neurodivergent clients. Some had been in therapy for months, even years, yet they were never informed that other issues they were struggling with, such as eating disorders, could be linked to their neurodivergence. This raises an important question: Why aren’t more therapists equipped to recognise and address these connections? Why do so many clients feel that their therapists are missing the mark?
The reality is that traditional therapy models are often designed with neurotypical clients in mind. These approaches may not fully consider the sensory sensitivities, communication styles, or cognitive differences that are common among neurodivergent individuals. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while effective for many, can sometimes overlook the unique ways in which neurodivergent individuals process emotions and thoughts. The emphasis on changing cognitive distortions might not resonate with someone whose thought patterns are inherently different.
Moreover, the typical therapy environment can be overwhelming for neurodivergent people, particularly those with autism. Sensory sensitivities can make bright lights, strong smells, or even certain textures a source of distress, making it difficult to focus during a session. Additionally, the communication styles often used in therapy—such as indirect communication or requiring clients to “read between the lines”—can pose significant challenges for those on the autism spectrum, who may struggle with abstract thinking or interpretive nuance.
To bridge this gap, it’s essential for therapists to adopt a neurodiversity-affirmative approach. This means acknowledging that neurodivergent brains function differently—not wrongly—and that therapy should be tailored to accommodate these differences. Specialised training in neurodiversity is crucial for therapists, enabling them to understand the sensory and cognitive differences in conditions like autism and ADHD and to adapt their therapeutic techniques accordingly.
Creating a comfortable and supportive environment is also key. Adjusting the therapy setting to be more sensory-friendly can make a significant difference in a client’s experience. Simple changes, such as dimming the lights, eliminating strong smells, or allowing clients to bring comforting items to sessions, can help create a space where neurodivergent individuals feel more at ease.
Another critical aspect is communication. Therapists must be flexible in their communication styles, using clear and literal language when necessary, and ensuring that clients feel comfortable asking for clarification. It’s also important for therapists to be aware of how neurodivergence can intersect with other conditions, such as eating disorders. Failing to recognise these connections can result in incomplete or ineffective treatment, leaving clients feeling even more frustrated and misunderstood.
The statistics further highlight the extent of this disconnect. A 2019 survey by the National Autistic Society found that only 32% of autistic adults felt that mental health services met their needs, with many citing a lack of understanding from therapists as a key issue. Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders in 2021 showed that individuals with autism often report lower satisfaction with traditional therapy methods compared to neurotypical peers. Similarly, ADHD Action, a UK-based advocacy group, highlights that nearly 40% of adults with ADHD have had negative experiences with therapy, often because their therapists did not fully understand the specific challenges associated with ADHD.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for more therapists to gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and adapt their practices to better serve neurodivergent clients. It’s essential to ask why so many therapists haven’t received training in neurodiversity and why they’re not connecting the dots between conditions like eating disorders and neurodivergence. This is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed within the therapeutic community.
Encouraging therapists to seek out specialised training, such as that offered by NEDDE TRAINING in the field of neurodiversity, eating disorders, and disordered eating, is a critical step towards closing this gap. By investing in their education and adapting their therapeutic methods, therapists can help ensure that therapy becomes a space where all clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.
As therapists, our goal should always be to provide effective, compassionate care that truly meets the needs of our clients. For neurodivergent individuals, this means recognising that traditional approaches may not always work and that specialised, neurodiversity-affirmative practices are essential.
If you’re a therapist working with neurodivergent clients, consider this: How can you adapt your practice to better serve their unique needs? The answer might just lie in rethinking traditional approaches and embracing the diversity of the human mind.
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