Are you dealing with confusion and wondering whether therapeutic support will truly honor who you- or your children- really are?
For families and individuals navigating ADHD, autism, or other neurodiverse experiences, everyday life can be both a testament to resilience and a source of exhaustion. As a mother of two neurodivergent teenagers, I have seen firsthand the challenges of moving through environments that often fail to understand. The weight of being misunderstood can be heavy, leaving people feeling isolated, overlooked, or pressured to "fit in," instead of being valued for the unique ways of their minds.
Should we just normalize neurodiversity?
In efforts to be supportive and stop seeing neurodiverse individuals as having deficits or being ‘abnormal’, society often attempts to normalize one’s neurodivergence. However, this has been reported by many autistic people as stressful (Dawson & Fletcher-Watson, 2021). It may also cause neurodiverse individuals to feel shame and impact their mental health (Field et al., 2024). Some neurodivergent people, such as those on the autism spectrum, have tried ‘masking’ or camouflaging to appear more normal, but this has been correlated with suicide, depression, and autistic burnout (Hull et al., 2021). Developing a positive neurodivergent identity is a key aspect of neurodiversity-affirming support (Chapman & Botha, 2022; Cooper et al., 2017).
What are the benefits of Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?
Unlike traditional approaches that may focus on “resolving” or “normalizing” behaviour, neurodiversity-affirming therapy:
- recognizes neurodivergence as a natural and valuable part of human diversity
- promotes a positive self-image by focusing on valuable differences rather than on challenges
- creates space for people to be fully seen, understood, and respected for who they are
- offers tools and strategies to reduce stress, build confidence, and navigate a world that often feels unaccommodating.
- adapts sessions to meet the needs of one’s nervous system or learning style
- creates sensory friendly spaces, such as providing regulating items, low-lit rooms, or encouraging movement
- works with parents of neurodivergent children to assist in adapting the home and school
Why choose Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy at Eckert Centre?
At Eckert Centre, we understand how important it is to find support that doesn’t label, judge, or try to “fix” you—but instead listens, uplifts, and highlights your strengths. Our therapists approach every person with compassion and curiosity, creating space to explore what thriving looks like for you or your loved one. We blend evidence-based approaches, like Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, with a deep respect for your unique way of experiencing the world. At Eckert Centre, you’ll find the kind of care we would want for our own families: warm, practical, and grounded in respect.
Take the next step
At Eckert Centre, I specialize in supporting children, teens, adults, and families who live and grow with a neurodivergent mind. I carry my own personal and professional experiences of neurodiversity. This means I don’t just come with clinical knowledge—I bring lived understanding, insight, and sensitivity into the challenges and the strengths that shape your daily life. I believe that at the heart of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, there is a simple but powerful truth: everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and celebrated exactly as they are!
I would be honored to walk along side you as you find balance, purpose, and peace.
Learn more about me here.
Schedule a free consultation today:
Call us: 403-230-2959
Book online: online
References:
Chapman, R., & Botha, M. (2022). Neurodivergence-informed therapy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 65(3), 310–317. htps://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15384
Cooper, K., Smith, L. G. E., & Russell, A. (2017). Social identity, self-esteem, and mental health in autism. European Journal of Social Psychology, 47(7), 844–854. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2297
Dawson, M., & Fletcher-Watson, S. (2021). When autism researchers disregard harms: A commentary. Autism, 26(2), 564–566. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211031403
Field, S. L., Williams, M. O., Jones, C. R., & Fox, J. R. (2024). A meta-ethnography of autistic people’s experiences of social camouflaging and its relationship with mental health. Autism, 28(6), 1328–1343. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231223036
Hull, L., Levy, L., Lai, MC., Petrides, K. V., Baren-Cohen, S., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Mandy, W. (2021). Is social camouflaging associated with anxiety and depression in autistic adults? Molecular Autism, 12, 1 –13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-021-00421-1
Jen Rowe
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