Serving Neurodiverse adults IN WA State

Neurodivergents often have differing cognitive processing speeds and styles than neurotypicals. This may mean you need more time (hours, days) to answer a particular question, need strategies provided visually, need me to stop talking while you take notes, and use more concrete language than figures of speech.

Neurodivergents tend to communicate differently than neurotypicals. They are often lateral thinkers which means they are often circumferential and tangential speakers who provide lots of details, which means they need someone with strong listening skills and abilities to track information. They also need support for this communication style rather than criticism or correction.

Neurodivergent people feel and express emotions differently. Some (particularly ADHDers) are quick to experience and express emotion in big ways, they may cry easily, raise their voices, and get easily overwhelmed by emotion - a non-pathological view and patience is important in supporting this style.

Some neurodivergents (particularly autistics) may have difficulty sensing and assessing their emotions, and may come across as flat or incongruent to the situation (e.g. laugh at unusual times). They may not show emotion in their faces. They need support that is attuned to subtlety and who don’t misinterpret this presentation as depression or not caring.

Neurodivergents often have different values to neurotypicals, which can inadvertently lead to misunderstandings, hurt, and loneliness in relationships with neurotypicals. For example, many neurodivergents value autonomy, fairness, authenticity, and deep communication. Whereas neurotypicals may value relational connection and harmony, being polite, and engage in lighter communication. It is important not to pathologize these differences, and have insight into the consequences of these differences in a neurotypical world.