What is neurodiversity affirming?
Being neurodiversity-affirming means recognizing that neurological differences—such as Autism, ADHD, PDA profiles, learning differences, and more—are natural variations of the human brain, not problems to be fixed. In my practice, this approach guides how I support clients and families. Overall, being neurodiversity-affirming means supporting people in being fully themselves while helping them navigate a world that is not always designed with their nervous system in mind.
Respect for identity: I honor each person’s unique wiring, communication style, sensory profile, and way of moving through the world.
Strength-based lens: I focus on capacities, interests, and what supports regulation—not on “fixing” behaviors that are simply differences.
Collaborative, compassionate care: Therapy happens with you, not to you. I incorporate your lived experiences, needs, and expertise into the process.
Environment-first approach: Instead of viewing the individual as the problem, I look at what environmental changes, expectations, or supports can reduce stress and increase access, autonomy, and well-being.
Trauma-informed + demand-sensitive: Particularly for PDA individuals, I use approaches that reduce pressure, honor autonomy, and build trust and safety.
Do you see families and/or couples?
I am not a traditional family or couples therapist. I don’t provide therapy focused on general relationship dynamics, communication strategies, or conflict resolution in the typical sense. My work is more specialized and centered on supporting caregivers.
For families navigating the PDA profile of Autism, I work with parents to better understand the nervous system differences that come with this profile and how they impact the individual, couple, and family dynamic. The focus is not on changing or “fixing” your child, but on helping caregivers feel more grounded, informed, and supported so they can create a more regulated and sustainable environment for the whole family.
Similarly, in my perinatal work, I support individuals or couples who are expecting or adjusting to early parenthood. This work focuses on the emotional and identity shifts that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to parenting, helping caregivers navigate stress, relationship strain, and the nervous system demands of this stage with more understanding and support.
