Neurodivergent Affirming
Extensive research on neurodivergence has mostly focused on children. However, an increasing number of adults are now being diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Whether you see it as a missing piece or feel overwhelmed, it's essential to process your emotions, assess behaviors, and embrace your unique strengths and differences.
Your experience
Have you ever looked back at your childhood and felt a sense of wonder about why things unfolded the way they did? Maybe you remember feeling isolated, not quite fitting in with peers, or struggling to grasp certain subjects in school. Perhaps you were incredibly sensitive, both to your own emotions and those of others, or maybe you found it challenging to express your feelings at all.
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As a teenager, did you ever feel like you were constantly putting on a mask, trying to fit into societal expectations? Social situations might have drained you, leaving you feeling like you didn't quite belong. On the other hand, you might have become exceptionally skilled at masking your true self, maintaining a wide social circle and engaging in various activities, all while rarely forming deep emotional connections.
Now, as an adult, you may sometimes cringe at things you've said in social settings, even though you never intended to hurt anyone. You might drift off in thought during conversations, missing important details, or struggle with sensitivity to sounds and textures. Do you often find solace in wearing headphones at home? And when it comes to food, perhaps you have a range of favorites but occasionally get "stuck" on one particular item, consuming it repeatedly for days or weeks before moving on to something else.
If these experiences resonate with you, know that you're not alone. Many individuals share similar feelings and challenges, and it's essential to recognize and embrace these aspects of yourself as you journey toward self-discovery and understanding.
My experience
My heart goes back to the day when my son received his autism diagnosis at the tender age of 7. The words "Autism Spectrum Disorder" carried a weight I couldn't fully comprehend. It felt as if I had somehow erred as a parent, and that my beloved child would forever be burdened with insurmountable challenges. Looking back now, I know that neither of those assumptions holds true. I hadn't failed as a parent, and my son, now an adult, is an extraordinary individual with a heart of gold, flourishing in every facet of his life.
Becoming trained in autism assessment and diagnosis has been a deeply personal and emotional journey for me, closely intertwined with my own experiences as a parent. My son's autism diagnosis, received when he was seven years old, marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in our lives. It was a moment of mixed emotions — uncertainty, fear, but also an overwhelming love for my child. In that moment, I became not just a parent, but an advocate and a lifelong learner, driven by the profound need to understand and support my son.
My training in autism assessment became more than a professional pursuit; it became a quest to unravel the mysteries of my own child's world. I delved into the intricacies of autism, not only to provide a clinical service but to forge a deeper connection with my son and others like him. Through this training, I've gained insights beyond textbooks and diagnostic criteria. I've learned to see the beauty in neurodiversity, to celebrate each individual's unique strengths, and to advocate fiercely for understanding and acceptance. Being trained in autism assessment has not only shaped my career but has touched my heart in a way that only a parent of an autistic child can truly comprehend. It's a journey of love, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making the world a more inclusive and compassionate place for all.