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Amazing Instagram account representing Neurodiversity. Please click on the picture.
As well as being a classically trained therapist, I am also AuDHD. This page is specifically about Autism and ADHD, and it explains what to expect and how counselling can be effective for either or both Autistics and ADHDers. It is recognised that complex trauma can be experienced as a result of living in a world which is not designed to celebrate and adapt to neurological differences, and unrecognised AuDHD often takes the form of school breakdown in our young people. ​
Autism
Autism is a difference in how we communicate. We prefer in-depth conversations and find general chit-chat a concept we'd rather not engage in. We are also generally honest and can find it hard to understand people who do not explain themselves or are indirect with their intentions. Social interactions with those of a different neurotype and communication style can be draining, and we tend to need more downtime to relax and refocus.
Social pressures can lead to anxiety and communication paralysis due to not knowing what people want, or how to express our wants and needs without judgment or misunderstanding. Growing up can be the most painful, wishing to act and be ourselves, but in a world which wants us to conform and be someone else. This can cause a separation from who we truly are and can lead to pretending (masking) to be someone else to try to fit in. By seeing a counsellor of the same neurotype, and who has lived experience, it can be easier to explore how you have learned to become someone else, and how judgements and expectations have changed you. We will work towards self-awareness and acceptance of your differences and aim to celebrate them for the individual that you are.
A comprehensive Autism resource which includes a range of tests: including assessing camouflaging (masking), and repetitive behaviours, can be found here: Embrace Autism | The ultimate autism resource (embrace-autism.com).
The AQ50 form (attached) is used to assess traits of Autism for those aged 16+.
The Aspie quiz and/or the AQ50 form can then be taken to the GP to request a referral for an official diagnosis. In England, there are some 'right to choose options' for adults, which is explained further down.
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ADHD
ADHD or ADD (ADHD Inattentive) can be very complex and lead to co-occurring difficulties - meaning that ADHD can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. As well as the well-known concentration difficulties and forgetfulness, it can also be at the core of louder co-occurring difficulties, such as;
OCD behaviours, intense feelings and needing more time to regulate them, disorganised eating, self-injury, sleep pattern disturbance, intense anger (usually due to felt rejection), social isolation, intense feelings around rejection, relationship breakdowns, substance misuse, low self-esteem and finding it hard to be assertive.
Recent research has developed an understanding of females with ADHD, leading to late diagnoses and recognition of a lifetime of misunderstandings.
I believe self-diagnosis is absolutely valid and that getting a diagnosis is a privilege not afforded to all. Counselling can help support self-acceptance through exploring the amazing aspects of ADHD that may have been altered due to the negative judgments you have received. The most common I hear are 'lazy, dramatic, overly-sensitve, annoying, bossy'. Talking about your experiences and their impact can help you reconnect with who you were before these messages started to be absorbed and believed as true.
There are many self-assessment tests for ADHD.
This Word document has gathered some of the main assessment tools, including for young people, parents and adults, which can be completed and taken to the GP for a referral for an official diagnosis. Rating scales explained. *Connors scoring can only be done by psychiatrists and experts in the field of diagnosing ADHD. However, examples can be found here ​​
For both males and females, the main test used by the NHS is the Connors 3 long (which can be found on the Word document).
