Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is an expansive and evolving concept that describes the wide range of ways human brains can function, develop, and process the world.
According to Maverique Therapeutic Services, the term neurodivergence may encompass a broad array of neurological, cognitive, and developmental differences, including—but not limited to—the following:
- Autism
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Synesthesia
- Schizophrenia
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Dementia
- Chronic Migraines
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Down syndrome
- Intellectual disabilities
- Plurality
Importantly, these categories are not exhaustive, nor are they meant to imply a single, unified experience. Neurodivergence exists along a spectrum and is deeply shaped by context, environment, access to support, and intersecting identities.
Maverique Therapeutic Services defines neurodiversity as “the diversity of human minds—the infinite variation in neurocognitive processing within humanity,” a definition attributed to Walker (2021). Neurodivergence, in turn, refers to having an innate or acquired neurotype that processes and functions differently from dominant societal standards. From this perspective, neurodivergence is not inherently pathological; rather, distress often arises from a lack of accommodation, understanding, or inclusion within systems designed for neurotypical norms.
If this resonates with you, you are not alone—and support is available.
Advocating for clients’ needs is a core ethical responsibility of therapeutic practice. At Tucson Counseling Associates (TCA), we strive to meet each client exactly where they are. We do this by offering psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual therapy, relationship therapy, and ongoing clinician education focused on the nuanced needs of neurodivergent populations. We recognize that our clients are experts in their own lived experience, and we approach therapy as a collaborative relationship rooted in mutual respect, curiosity, and connection.
Because relationships are often impacted by neurodivergence, we also provide relationship and family therapy to support partners, family members, and loved ones. This work frequently includes psychoeducation, exploration of differing needs and communication styles, and increased understanding of the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals may face. Our therapists work from a lens of multicultural humility, honoring the intersecting identities—including race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability—that shape each person’s experience.
TCA clinicians draw from an eclectic and individualized range of therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems (IFS), expressive arts therapy, and more. Our work is holistic, attending to the physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual dimensions of being. From a feminist and anti-oppressive framework, we remain mindful of the systemic barriers and internalized ableism that may contribute to shame, self-doubt, or burnout.
Therapy can support neurodivergent individuals in developing self-understanding, interpersonal skills, agency, and self-advocacy—while also fostering empowerment and self-compassion. If you find yourself experiencing persistent rumination about how you operate differently than others, feelings of shame related to your differences, difficulty with tasks that seem easy for others, heightened reactions to sensory or emotional experiences, or a sense of being misunderstood, we invite you to reach out.
Normalizing your experience and welcoming you into a broader community with openness and respect is something we are deeply passionate about. Many of our providers also bring personal lived experience to this work, further informing our commitment to affirming and inclusive care.
Reach out today and let us know how we can support you.
References
Walker, N. (2021). Neuroqueer heresies: Notes on the neurodiversity paradigm, autistic empowerment, and postnormal possibilities. Autonomous Press.
American Psychological Association. (2013). DSM-5 (5th ed.). Author.
Brown, L. S. (2018). Feminist therapy (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000092-000
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