Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy: Support Before, During or After Diagnosis
In short: Neurodivergent-affirming therapy sees autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurotypes as natural differences in how brains work, not problems to fix. It helps you understand yourself, ease the shame you may have carried, and live in a way that fits your brain. I offer it online across the UK and internationally, whether you're diagnosed, waiting, self-identifying or simply wondering.
What does neurodivergent-affirming mean?
It means starting from respect.
Rather than trying to make you act more "normal" (I mean what even is that?), we look at what you need to feel well. That includes your sensory needs, your energy, your communication style, and the ways you've had to adapt to a world that wasn't built for you.
One person should not have to do all the adapting. That includes you.
Can I get support before a diagnosis?
Yes. Many people come to therapy while wondering whether they might be autistic or ADHD, or while sitting on a long NHS waiting list.
We can explore your experiences, make sense of patterns from childhood onwards, and find support that helps now. We don't have to wait for a diagnosis before taking a difficulty seriously. You don't need a label to deserve care.
What about during an assessment?
Assessments can stir up a lot. Old memories. Worry about the outcome. Questions from family.
Therapy can give you a steady space alongside the process. I don't diagnose, but I can help you prepare for it and process what comes up.
What happens after a diagnosis?
A diagnosis can bring relief, grief, anger, or all three. There isn't one way we're supposed to feel. Many adults find themselves re-reading their whole life story. Common themes include:
- Grief for the support you didn't have growing up
- Unpicking years of masking and finding out who you are underneath
- Recovering from autistic or ADHD burnout
- Letting go of shame about being "lazy", "too much" or "difficult"
- Deciding who to tell, and how
What can neurodivergent clients bring to therapy?
Anything. People often come for emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, anxiety, relationship difficulties, loss or grief, or coping habits that once helped but now get in the way.
Some simply want to understand themselves better, and find the words to communicate their needs to partners, family or work.
How are sessions adapted?
Sessions are shaped around you. That might mean:
- Camera on or off, or using the chat box
- A clear structure, or a looser one
- Breaks, movement or fidget items
- Creative expression, such as drawing, writing or using objects, when words are hard
- A short written summary afterwards
Online sessions from home also give you more control over light, sound and comfort. Writing, pictures or a quiet pause aren't steps towards "proper" talking. They're ways of communicating in their own right.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work with self-identified neurodivergent people?
Yes. You're welcome whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
Can you diagnose autism or ADHD?
No. Diagnosis is made by qualified clinicians such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. I can support you before, during and after that process.
Do you work with AuDHD and dyslexic adults?
Yes. I work with autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic and otherwise neurodivergent adults.
Ready to talk?
I'm Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a BACP-accredited counsellor offering online neurodivergent-affirming counselling across the UK and internationally. Send me a message via my website to talk about what you're looking for.
Read next: Do I Need an ADHD or Autism Diagnosis to Get Therapy? · Emotional Dysregulation in Adults: What It Is and How Therapy Helps · How to Communicate Your Needs When You're Neurodivergent