Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy

Affirming, Inclusive Support for Neurodivergent Folks in San Diego and Online Across California, Washington State, Utah, and Florida

Contrary to what society has probably told you (both covertly and overtly)- you don’t need to be “fixed” or “cured.” This pathologizing mindset operates under the premise that neurotypical brains are better than others- and that there is a “right way” to have a brain. This is rooted in eugenics, ableism and sanism- and we don’t subscribe to that at ED OCD Therapy. Instead, we value neurodiversity affirming care- details below.

Whether you are Autistic, have ADHD, OCD, or live with other forms of neurodivergence (diagnosed or self-identified), this is a space where you can be your full self. Together, we’ll explore how to reduce suffering—not by changing who you are, but by identifying accommodations, support systems, and ways of being that align with your values and needs.

What Is Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy?

Neurodivergent affirming therapy is rooted in the neurodiversity paradigm, which recognizes neurological differences as a natural and valuable part of human diversity—not disorders to be "treated" or eliminated.

This is very different from the traditional medical model, which tends to frame neurodivergent traits as deficits or problems to be corrected. That model often leads to shame, self-doubt, and burnout. Especially for those who have spent years masking in order to be accepted.

In contrast, neurodivergent affirming therapy centers:

• Self-understanding and self-trust

• Support needs and accommodations, not compliance

• Collaborative care, not behavioral control

• Celebration of strengths, not correction of traits

We do not use harmful behavioral techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can teach people to mask their neurodivergence at the cost of their mental health and identity. Instead, we work relationally, compassionately, and at your pace—offering tools and accommodations that work for you, not against you. Most of us at ED OCD Therapy are neurodivergent ourselves and have personal experience with how harmful these approaches can be. Here is a helpful graphic describing the difference between the pathology paradigm and the neurodiversity paradigm. Credit to Sonny Jane Wise @livedexpereinceeducator for this!

Who Is This For?

This approach is for anyone who identifies under the neurodivergent umbrella, including but not limited to:

• Autistic individuals

• ADHDers

• Folk with OCD

• People with learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)

• People with sensory processing differences

• Neurodivergent folks with eating disorders or OCD

• Multiply neurodivergent or self-diagnosed individuals

Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, you are welcome here. We honor lived experience and believe you are the expert of your own inner world. Sadly, diagnosis comes with risk of further stigmatization/oppression, and we do not take that lightly.

How Therapy Can Be Tailored to Support You

Because every neurodivergent person is different, our work is tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and values. Therapy may include:

• Exploring sensory needs, burnout, and masking

• Identifying environmental, relational and self accommodations

• Supporting executive functioning struggles without shame

• Processing internalized ableism and societal invalidation

• Validating and welcoming your special interests

• Exploring affirming coping plans for meltdowns and over/under stimulation

• Exploring sensory needs and preferences

• Increasing self soothing access with sensory needs and stimming

• Navigating identity development around Autistic pride, ADHD identity, or being late/self-diagnosed

• Co-regulating in session and building interoceptive awareness and nervous system attunement

• Working with eating disorders or OCD through a lens that recognizes how often these intersect with neurodivergence

Working with Autistic Clients

Autistic individuals often come to therapy after years of masking, social fatigue, or receiving care that pathologized their natural way of being. In this space, you don’t have to change your communication style, suppress your stimming, or make eye contact to be understood. We can work on self-acceptance, unmasking/masking challenges, sensory regulation, coping with meltdowns and pre-meltdown needs, and identifying ways to support executive functioning, all while honoring your identity.

Working with ADHD Clients

ADHDers are often misunderstood as “lazy,” “disorganized,” or “too much.” Here, we reject that narrative. We explore how to work with your brain, not against it—through building routines that feel doable (gamifying is a favorite one of ours), understanding dopamine regulation, healing shame internalized from ableism, identifying sensory needs, and supporting emotional regulation in creative, compassionate ways.

Supporting Neurodivergent Folks with Eating Disorders

Many individuals with eating disorders—are also neurodivergent. Unfortunately, many traditional eating disorder treatments ignore this. Our work will honor the sensory, cognitive, and emotional differences that may be contributing to your food-related distress. We’ll explore harm reduction, body autonomy, and create treatment plans that are inclusive, flexible, and accessible for neurodivergent minds and bodies. No more “that’s your Eating Disorder talking” when expressing a genuine food preference or need for monotropic meal planning.

A Liberating Alternative to Pathologizing Care

Neurodivergent affirming therapy is not about suppressing who you are—it’s about creating space for your full self to exist, thrive, and be celebrated. You deserve care that is gentle, affirming, and tailored to your unique brain.

We offer:

• In-person neurodivergent affirming therapy in San Diego, CA

• Virtual therapy for neurodivergent individuals in California, Utah, and Florida

Ready to Begin Therapy That Honors Your Neurodivergent Identity?

Whether you’re Autistic, ADHD, or navigating your neurodivergent identity for the first time, we’re here to support you—without judgment, pressure, or pathologizing. You deserve care that meets you where you are.

Contact us to get started!