Neurodiversity & Trauma… (ND/NT)

It’s a really important topic to address, as neurodivergent (ND) individuals often experience a higher prevalence of trauma due to living in a neurotypical (NT) world that isn’t always set up to accommodate their needs. This can lead to experiences like bullying, social isolation, misunderstanding, and having to “mask” their true selves, all of which can be traumatizing.

Here’s what trauma-informed mental health support for ND individuals in an NT world looks like, and some ways to find it if you live in the Brighton & Hove (UK) area for example:

Key Principles of Trauma-Informed & Neurodiversity-Affirming Support:

1. Understanding the Interplay of Trauma and Neurodivergence:
   • Recognizing that neurodivergent traits can be exacerbated by trauma, and vice versa. For example, sensory sensitivities might become more intense after a traumatic experience, or difficulty with emotional regulation might be misattributed to neurodivergence when it’s a trauma response.
   • Acknowledging that systemic issues (ableism, lack of acceptance) contribute to trauma for ND individuals.
2. Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach:
   • Strengths-Based: Focusing on the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals rather than trying to “fix” or “cure” their neurodivergence.
   • Respect and Acceptance: Honouring individual differences and recognizing that there isn’t one “right” way of thinking or being.
   • Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailoring interventions to the specific needs, preferences, and neurological profiles of each person. This might include sensory accommodations (dimmed lights, fidget tools, weighted blankets), visual supports, and structured routines.
   • Prioritizing Autonomy: Empowering ND individuals to make informed decisions about their own care and fostering self-advocacy.
   • No “Social Skills Training” unless desired: Instead of forcing conformity, supporting individuals in developing social engagement that works for them, or helping them connect with like-minded individuals.
3. Trauma-Informed Practices:
   • Safety First: Creating a safe, confidential, and sensory-friendly therapeutic environment where the individual feels heard, understood, and supported. This is fundamental for healing.
   • Window of Tolerance: Helping individuals understand their “window of tolerance” (the state where they feel safe, engaged, and able to handle stress) and develop strategies for when they are outside of it (hyperarousal or hypoarousal).
   • Patience and Pacing: Recognizing that healing from trauma takes time and allowing the individual to control the pace of therapy.
   • Beyond Traditional Approaches: Moving beyond solely cognitive-behavioral (CBT) or exposure-based therapies, which may not always be effective or can even be re-traumatizing for ND individuals. Exploring alternative approaches like somatic experiencing, narrative therapy, or creative therapies (art, music, sand play).
   • Holistic View: Considering the impact of trauma on all aspects of life, including relationships, self-esteem, executive functioning, and physical well-being.

Finding Support in Brighton & Hove (and beyond):

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapists/Counsellors: Look for practitioners who explicitly state they are “neurodiversity-affirming” or have experience working with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions from a non-pathologizing perspective. Many therapists will mention this on their websites or profiles.
  • Brighton & Hove Therapy Hub: They list therapists specializing in autism, some of whom may also be trauma-informed.
  • Psychology Today (UK): You can filter by “autism” or “ADHD” and look for therapists who mention trauma-informed care or a neurodiversity-affirming approach in their descriptions. Some specific therapists listed for Brighton include Dr. Jeremy Rowe, Dr. Simon Lovat, and Track Goldsmith, who all mention working with neurodivergent individuals. Ruth Mason specifically highlights professional and lived experience of autism and neurodiversity, and her knowledge about “clearing and repairing trauma.”
  • Sacred Self Psychotherapy: Based in Hampton & Twickenham, they offer neurodiversity-affirming therapy and mention an integrative approach, which can be effective for ND individuals.
  • Leone Centre: Offer neurodiversity-affirmative counselling in London, with online options, which may be accessible to you.
  • NeuroTribe UK: A neurodivergent-affirming, multicultural therapy service that offers online therapy across the UK and in-person sessions in select locations (including London and Surrey). They are founded, managed, and staffed by therapists with lived experience of neurodiversity.
  • Think Neurodivergent UK: Offers neurodivergent-affirming counselling and therapy, with a practitioner who has lived experience of neurodiversity.
• Support Groups:
  • ADHD Aware (Brighton-based charity): They run in-person peer support sessions in Brighton and online for adults impacted by ADHD, led by volunteers with lived experience. While not explicitly “trauma” groups, peer support can be incredibly valuable for processing difficult experiences related to living with ADHD.
  • CHADD (international): Offers virtual support groups for adults with ADHD, including specific groups for women, partners of ND individuals, and various other topics. These can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
  • Sole Survivor (Liverpool/Wirral, with online options): Offers peer support groups for PTSD and ADHD, which could be a good resource if you’re looking for something specific to trauma and ADHD.
• Online Resources/Training:
  • Change Mental Health: Provides resources and information on supporting neurodiverse people, including practical tools and strategies.
  • Resurface Group: Has an article explaining neurodivergent-affirming trauma-informed therapy.
  • Therapist Neurodiversity Collective: Offers courses for therapists on trauma-informed mental health care for neurodivergent populations, which can help you identify what to look for in a practitioner.

Important Considerations When Seeking Support:

• Lived Experience: Many neurodivergent individuals find it beneficial to work with therapists who also have lived experience of neurodiversity, as they often have a deeper understanding of the challenges and nuances.
• Initial Consultation: Many therapists offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use this opportunity to ask about their approach to neurodiversity and trauma, and whether they feel they are a good fit for your specific needs.
• Trust Your Gut: It’s essential to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable. The therapeutic relationship is crucial for healing.

By seeking out trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming support, you can find a space where your experiences are validated, your unique brain is understood, and you can work towards healing and thriving on your own terms in an NT world.