NEURODIVERGENCE

A relatively new term, neurodivergent simply means someone who thinks differently from the way the majority (referred to as neurotypical) expects. Neurotypical means the opposite –someone whose brain behaves in the same way as the majority of society.

The term “neurodiversity”

It refers to a larger category of people with varying neurological differences, as well as neurotypical people. Many people identify as neurodiverse, including people with:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tourette Syndrome
Depression
Dyslexia
Intellectual Disabilities
Schizophrenia

Autistic people, individuals on the spectrum, or those who have other neurological differences are referred to as “neurodivergent.”

Instead of seeing autism as a disorder, people use the term “neurodiverse” to recognize the rich differences, abilities, and strengths autistic people and other neurodiverse people have.

The neurodiversity movement focuses on promoting the full inclusion of neurodiverse individuals and their individual rights to be accepted as they are.

Types of Neurodivergence:

Several types of Neurodivergence, include autism, Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, hyperlexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome (TS).

Neuro-differences are recognized and appreciated as a social category similar to differences in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability. Neurodiversity also comes in varying degrees. For example, some people with autism have higher support needs than others.

The current edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)” has placed several diagnoses under the category of autism spectrum disorder.

These include:

Asperger’s Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorders not otherwise specified

The DSM classifies autistic spectrum disorder with three levels of severity. Severity is based on how much impairment you live with in the areas of social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Level 1 is given when you need support.
Level 2 is given when you need substantial support.
Level 3 is given when you need very substantial support.

Treatment of Challenges Secondary to Neurodivergence

Treatment at The Mental Health Collective begins with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment by a board certified psychiatrist and a licensed psychologist. Our team recognizes that there are those who think, behave, and learn differently from what is considered “normal” ways of brain function. After the assessment, your clinicians will develop an individualized treatment plan specific to your diagnosis and symptoms, your individual circumstances, and the causes of your depression. We will tailor your treatment to your individual needs. Treatment can include:

Medication Management
Individual, Group and Family Therapy
Integrative treatment modalities such as:

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

Send our team a message or call 888.717.9355