Neuro-diversity

Neuro-diversity is often discussed nowadays and it is very fortunately to some extent protected and respected within the 2010 Equalities Act. However, it is still little understood or researched and this means that people often do not recognise their own neuro-diversity nor that of people around them. The main forms of neuro-diversity I come across in my work are the following;

Dyslexia

Visual stress

High sensitivity

Sensory hypersensitivity

Adult ADHD

Autism seems also to be a form of neuro-diversity, but I rarely come across it in my work and so I'm not discussing it here.

I often see clients who are highly intelligent - in an out of the box kind of way - who have done badly at school. When I ask them about this, it emerges that they have difficulty with reading or writing or that they have very speedy minds, but find it difficult to sit down and concentrate on processing some information or that they feel over stimulated by sound, touch or smells or that they get flashes of light or other visual disturbances when reading or when they come across bright light, flickering light or very contrasting or jarring colours or patterns. I also frequently come across clients who are highly sensitive people - as I discuss in another page of this website. These neuro-diverse clients are usually unaware of this aspect of themselves or, if they are aware of it, are usually negative about it due to having internalised the prejudice meted out against them.

The important thing to recognise about these neuro-diversities is that they have negative aspects, for example, difficulty reading, but they also often have positive aspects, such as, out of the box thinking, creativity or visual acuity. It is also important to recognise that neuro-diversity is diverse - each person's profile of neuro-diversity is particular to them. The other thing about these neuro-diversities I'm considering here is that, in my view, they may well be all associated with a highly developed right brain hemisphere and a less well developed left brain hemisphere. I emphasise that this right / left hemisphere understanding of neuro-diversity is mine, is slightly contentious and not , as far as I'm aware researched or proven.

For me, the most pressing task we have as humans is to become more ourselves - to find out honestly who we are and to optimise our potential to be the best version of ourselves. In terms of neuro-diversity, this means researching our own profile of diversity and accepting and honouring it - like the sea - both the good and the bad, Then we can compensate for any difficulties as much as possible and take full advantage of any talent our neuro-diversity brings us.

At any one time, a high proportion of my clients are neuro-diverse. As a psychotherapist and psychologist who is myself neuro-diverse, I provide a space where clients can explore and honour their diversity, recover from trauma caused by societal lack of recognition and or denigration of neuro-diversity and prosper as a consequence of being able to recognise, honour and utilise their diversity.

For further information or to book a session, please feel free to contact me at:

t. 01297 625006 m. 07989 000088

ewpsychotherapy@gmail.com

11 Wessiters, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2PW

Providing Counselling, Psycholology, Psychoanalysis, Jungian Analysis, Couple & Marriage Therapy and Supervision for people in and around:

Seaton, Axminster, Chard, Yarcombe, Dunkeswell, Cullompton, Payhembury, Honiton, Dalwood, FenitonWhimple, Exeter, Ottery St Mary, Kilmington, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Branscombe, Axmouth, Rousdon, Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Charmouth, Seatown Bridport, Beaminster, Tiverton, Ilminster, South Petherton, Taunton and Crewkerne.