Neurodivergence affirming counselling

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With both lived and clinical experience of neurodivergence, I deeply understand the challenges and joys of life outside the (neuro)typical.

Although I have always known I am not like other people, it wasn’t until I stopped drinking in 2017 that I began to explore why, beyond my queerness, I felt like that. Despite my hopes for a surge in brain power, sociability, and productivity on quitting, I didn’t experience the changes I anticipated. Seeing others who had quit drinking benefit in these ways left me feeling, if I’m being honest, a bit cheated!

Now I know that was largely influenced by my neurodivergence, and my particular combo is dyspraxia, autism and ADHD (AuDHD), all of which were diagnosed later in life. When I look back through my life experiences now a lot of things make a lot more sense to me. The reason I feel like I’m not like other people is because I’m just plain not – and that’s OK!

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Later-life realisation and diagnosis of neurodivergence

I specialise in supporting people with later-life realisations and diagnosis of neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, and both together (AuDHD). This includes all diagnoses, regardless of timing or who made them, and whenever you start linking your feelings of difference to neurodivergence.

Diagnosis of neurodivergence can stir a complex mix of emotions, often reflecting the relief and challenges of finally making sense of our experiences after years of uncertainty. These feelings, shaped by our unique backgrounds, characteristics, and circumstances, can differ greatly from person to person.

On the one hand, diagnosis can offer benefits like better access to support and a new perspective on past experiences. However, it can also bring depression, anxiety, shame, and inadequacy. We may feel anger and regret, wondering how life could have been different, and even resent missed opportunities.

We may start reflecting on the past, asking, “What if?” What if we had known earlier—how different could life have been? These thoughts can spill into the present, leaving us unsure about the future and what the diagnosis really means. We might also worry about sharing our neurodivergence with loved ones, fearing they won’t believe us, especially without a formal diagnosis.

My lived experience, combined with my work with clients, shows me that it’s possible, under the right circumstances and with the right support, to move through some of these more negative feelings towards a place of greater acceptance and empowerment.

Get in touch now to see explore how neurodivergence affirming counselling could help you.

As a registered BACP member, I work within the BACP Ethical Framework

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ali@alipress.uk | +44 (0) 7704 439662