Neuroaffirming, Evidence-Based Therapies: What You Need to Know
Written by Elizabeth Solomon Loyola, PsyD and Kaitlyn Vo, AMFT
Mental health therapies are powerful tools to help people navigate tough emotions, build better communication skills, and grow as individuals. But here’s the thing: one size doesn’t fit all—especially for neurodiverse folks. If you or someone you care about is autistic, has ADHD, or experiences the world differently, traditional therapy might miss the mark. That’s why tailoring approaches to fit unique needs isn’t just nice; it’s essential.
Let’s dive into what makes neuroaffirming, evidence-based treatments so impactful.
What Is Neurodiversity, Anyway?
Neurodiversity is all about embracing how brains can work in beautifully different ways. It’s not a flaw or a problem—it’s a natural and valuable variation. Whether it’s autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or something else, neurodivergent people bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table. The goal of therapy should be to respect and support these differences rather than forcing people to fit into a “standard” mold.
Why Standard Therapies Fall Short
Many therapy programs follow a manual—step-by-step guides for addressing anxiety, depression, or other challenges. They’re super helpful for lots of people but tend to focus on neurotypical ways of thinking and behaving. For neurodiverse individuals, these approaches can feel frustrating or even invalidating. Nobody should have to pretend to be someone they’re not in order to get help. That’s why adjusting therapies in a neuroaffirming way is so important.
Connection Looks Different for Everyone
Building trust is the heart of therapy. But what does that look like for someone who’s neurodiverse? For autistic people, connection might not include eye contact or typical expressions of emotion. That doesn’t mean they’re not bonding. It’s about recognizing and respecting how they communicate closeness.
For someone with ADHD, connection might mean understanding their need to fidget, move around, or pause for breaks. Therapists can’t just rely on what works for neurotypical folks—they’ve got to meet each person where they’re at, both physically and emotionally.
Tapping Into Passions and Interests
Many neurodiverse individuals have special interests they’re passionate about—and these can be game-changers in therapy. Got a kiddo with autism who loves trains? Bring trains into the session! Does a teen with ADHD light up when talking about sports or music? Incorporate that enthusiasm into their goals. When therapy is fun and engaging, it’s more effective. It’s all about creating a safe, motivating space where growth feels natural.
Making the Therapy Environment Work
The setting of a therapy session can make or break the experience. Some quick adjustments can go a long way:
Autism: Keep things calm by dimming lights or offering noise-canceling headphones.
ADHD: Allow movement breaks or provide fidget tools.
Anxiety/Sensory Challenges: Offer weighted blankets or soothing textures to help clients feel grounded.
These tweaks aren’t just nice extras—they’re essential for making therapy feel comfortable and productive.
Visuals, Verbal Cues, and Small Steps
Neurodiverse individuals often process information differently. Visual aids like pictures, charts, or step-by-step instructions can be incredibly helpful, especially for autistic clients. For people with ADHD, combining visual and verbal cues can keep things clear and engaging. Breaking tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces also helps. Instead of “Let’s talk about your day,” try “Can you tell me three things you did today? Let’s pick one to dive into.” Structure and clarity go a long way.
Rethinking Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a popular therapy approach, but it often focuses on changing thought patterns. For neurodiverse clients, it can be more effective to focus on behaviors. For example, instead of challenging an anxious thought, a therapist working with an autistic teen might help them create a calming routine. This way, the therapy aligns with their strengths and preferences, making it more impactful.
Flexibility Is Everything
Therapists working with neurodiverse clients need to roll with the punches. Maybe a child with ADHD needs to get up and move during a session. Maybe an adult with autism feels overwhelmed and needs to switch gears to focus on calming techniques. Progress might not look like it does for neurotypical clients, and that’s okay. Success is about meeting individual goals, not sticking to a rigid timeline.
Breaks Are Part of the Process
Let’s be real: therapy can be intense. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of failure—it’s smart. Someone with ADHD might need to reset their focus. An autistic client might need a moment to process big feelings or sensory input. Scheduling breaks into sessions shows respect for those needs and helps keep everyone engaged.
Why Neuroaffirming Care Matters
Mental health therapy should meet people where they are. For neurodiverse individuals, that means adjusting methods to fit their unique strengths, interests, and needs. When therapists take a neuroaffirming approach, they’re not just providing therapy—they’re creating a space where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Therapy isn’t about sticking to a script. It’s about being flexible, creative, and compassionate. Whether it’s incorporating a favorite hobby, allowing breaks, or understanding different ways of connecting, neuroaffirming therapies make all the difference. Neurodiversity is a strength, and mental health care should reflect that. By meeting people where they’re at, we can create meaningful, effective, and affirming therapy experiences for everyone.
Our Services:
Child Psychology Center offers neuro-affirming, culturally competent, evidence-based therapy for children (ages 0+), teens and caregivers. We offer virtual therapy for people throughout all of California, and we offer in-person therapy in Carlsbad, CA and in Folsom, CA. Our services are available in both English and Mandarin. Our licensed psychologists offer psychological assessments. While our therapists specialize in treating children, we also treat adults. We specialize in treating anxiety, child behavioral problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, autism (ASD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We offer parent coaching and consultation. We would love to support you along your journey. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today!
