Neurodivergent Therapy Q&A

At Gold Counseling, the term neurodivergent is understood and broken down into “neuro” (dealing with the brain and nervous system) and “diverse” (different). Put together, neurodivergent individuals and families have different brains than the majority of the population. Some of the most common neurodiverse clients seen at Gold are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The world is NOT designed for the neurodivergent population. We aim to help all neurodivergent clients navigate their lives with an acceptance of their neurodivergent.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is categorized by common traits in Communication/Social Interactions and Restrictive/Repetitive Behaviors. Some of those traits are:

● Avoids eye contact
● Struggles in social settings
● Delayed speech/communication
● Arrange toys/objects in a line
● Repeats sayings or words
● Hyper-focused on a specific part of toys
● Struggles with minor changes
● Hyperfixated hobbies and interests.
● Self-stimming behavior (hand flapping, body rocking, spins in circles)
● Extremely sensitive to 5 senses (touch, sound, taste, smell, sight).
● Picky eating
● Bowel movement issues

This is not an extensive list, nor are all of these traits required for an official diagnosis.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is categorized by common traits related to Attention and Activity. Some of those traits are:
 
● Frequently forgets/loses items,
● Fidgets/likes to constantly be moving 
● Talks too much
● Makes simple and careless mistakes
● Poor impulse control
● Emotional outbursts
● Struggles to wait in line/take turns
● Daydreams
 
This is not an extensive list, nor are all of these traits required for an official diagnosis.

Gold has a large emphasis on treating the entire family. Therapists have noticed that therapy with both the individual and family of a neurodivergent family has provided the best results and progress for their patients. Gold encourages and recommends that family members be active participants in therapy. Below are some scenarios that a family with neurodivergent may struggle with:

● Severe tantrums in public
● Aggressive behavior from children towards siblings and peers
● Siblings feeling less than or forgotten
● Increase marital issues
● Financial stress
● Not being able to attend public events or travel.
● Stress on the parent-child relationships
● Feeling embarrassed about family members’ behavior

There are a variety of services that can benefit neurodiverse clients such as mental health therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education (IEPs and 504s). The approach at Gold Counseling focuses on the following:
 
1. Increase the skills of the neurodivergent family
2. Improve the acceptance of neurodiversity and its “quirks”
3. Strengthen the family unit(s) to best support each other
4. Provide support and care for neurotypical family members.

Although a diagnosis such as ASD or ADHD has its benefits, Gold Counseling has a strong emphasis that each client/family is unique. Each of you brings your strengths and needs. Based on your strengths/needs, an individualized treatment plan will be created. This tailored treatment plan is critical to your success. Gold Counseling can offer therapists who have extensive experience in the neurodivergent world both in their education, and professional experience, and therapists who are neurodivergent themselves. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara UT, and surrounding areas.