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CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY

"If normal is being selfish, being dishonest, killing, having guns, and waging war, I do not want any of it."

Kathy Lissner, autistic adult and activist,
as cited in Steve Silberman's book, 
Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism
and the Future of Neurodiversity

A significant portion of my patients are either autistic and/or have ADHD, either adults or later adolescents. I value neurological pluralism and don't see these conditions something to be "cured." In fact, some of my work involves supporting people in coming to terms with the trauma associated with living in a world that so often pathologizes, stigmatizes and rejects. I believe we all have differing, unique and individual brain styles, regardless of diagnosis. I aim to offer an affirming space, with the same level of depth, respect, and dignity in this work as I do with neurotypical patients. I also tend to work from a strength-based perspective, helping people to create and cultivate spaces, skills and life paths that suit and inspire them.

 

Neuropsychological Testing
While I do have training in psychological testing, I do not currently offer formal neuropsychological testing. The question of whether to be tested as an adult for diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD can be challenging to answer. When a patient does want to obtain testing, I have other providers with whom I sometimes collaborate. But I see part of my role as ensuring folks have really considered what they're hoping to get out of such testing. These diagnostic labels are far from perfect, and contemporary testing procedures have real limitations. On the other hand, a diagnosis can be incredibly affirming and play a central role in obtaining school or work accommodations. I aim to help patients make the best decisions they can for themselves, considering their unique experiences and challenges, competing demands and access to resources.

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