As a neurodivergent-affirming therapist in Orange County, CA, I have worked with many clients who feel overwhelmed and misunderstood. It is not uncommon for individuals to struggle with managing stress in a world that is not always accommodating to their unique needs. Whether you are in Los Angeles, CA dealing with the fast-paced city life or experiencing autistic burnout in San Diego, CA, it is important to recognize that seeking therapy and setting treatment goals can greatly improve your well-being.
But you may be thinking, what are common treatment goals for neurodivergent individuals? What goals should I even set for myself in therapy? Let’s explore some ways to increase self-awareness and create safe spaces for yourself through therapy.
Setting Goals for Self-Discovery
You’re living in a world that isn’t so accommodating for neurodivergent individuals, so it’s important to prioritize your own needs. When you set goals in therapy with a neurodivergent-affirming therapist, you are taking steps to alleviate stress and improve your overall mental health. You’re also taking this time and space to discover and understand yourself in a deeper way. It’s not about fitting into society’s expectations, but rather learning how to navigate the world as your authentic self.
When you’re increasing your own self-awareness and understanding your needs, you may find yourself setting goals such as:
- Identifying triggers that lead to burnout or sensory overload.
- Learning coping mechanisms for managing stress and anxiety.
- Developing a better understanding of your strengths and challenges.
- How to create safe spaces for yourself in your personal and professional life.
- Setting healthier boundaries and advocating for yourself.
- Seeking accommodations that can make daily life more manageable.
This can look different for each individual and their specific needs. A neurodivergent-affirming therapist will work with you to discover what goals are most important for your growth and well-being. For example, this doesn’t necessarily mean going to HR but also finding ways to cope with daily annoyances, such as using noise-cancelling headphones or taking breaks to recharge.
Overload and Burnout
The wiring in your brain can make you more sensitive to sensory overload and burnout, which can manifest in a variety of ways. You may find yourself feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or experiencing meltdowns or shutdowns. The annoyances in this overstimulating world can build up until you reach a breaking point. You can become so overloaded that it’s difficult to function or communicate effectively.
Finding ways to cope and manage these feelings can greatly improve your daily life. For example, using noise cancellation features on your devices or taking breaks to recharge can make a huge difference in managing sensory overload. These strategies may seem small, but they can make a big impact on your overall well-being. Plus, everyone wears headphones! So, lessen the guilt and use whatever accommodations make your life better. That’s what they’re there for.
What are Common Presenting Problems?
Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with understanding and identifying their needs, resulting in burnout. This can manifest in various ways, such as sensory overload or feeling alienated from society. It’s important to have a therapist who understands the complexities of being neurodivergent and can help navigate these challenges.
Burnout But No Name for It
You may be experiencing burnout but not have the word to describe it. This is a common problem for neurodivergent individuals who are struggling but don’t know the term “autistic burnout.” You may spend time describing it but not have the language to fully articulate what you are going through. A neurodivergent-affirming therapist can help validate your experiences and provide a safe space for you to process and understand them.
Feeling Alienated and Lonely
You may have a strong sense of feeling different or not belonging in the world, resulting in feelings of loneliness. This can often be linked to being neurodivergent and struggling to fit into societal norms. A neurodiversity-affirming therapist will understand your unique perspective and work with you to find ways to feel more connected and understood.
Shutdown, Meltdown, Burnout: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between shutdown, meltdown, and burnout as they can often be used interchangeably. Shutdown refers to an individual withdrawing from their environment and social interactions in response to overstimulation or stress. Meltdown is a more extreme reaction, involving intense emotional outburst and loss of control. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged stress or sensory overload. By understanding these differences, you can better identify and communicate your needs in therapy and daily life.
Finding a neurodivergent-affirming therapist can provide you with a safe space to explore and address these challenges. They can also help you understand the difference between shutdowns, meltdowns, and burnout, and work towards managing them more effectively. This can be by providing strategies, resources, and support to help you navigate daily life in a world that may not always understand your unique needs.
Resources that Can Help
Just like you can utilize headphones to create a more manageable environment, there are other resources that can assist with managing sensory overload and burnout. Here are some products that have been recommended or used by neurodivergent individuals:
Weighted Objects
Here are some weighted objects that can provide deep pressure and help with calming:
- Weighted blankets: These are great for sleep or relaxation, as they provide even pressure throughout the body.
- Weighted vests: Available for both kids and adults, these can be worn throughout the day to provide a sense of calm.
- Hug Shirt: This innovative shirt uses sensors and actuators to recreate the sensation of a hug, providing deep pressure wherever you are.
- SoundShirt PRO: Similar to the Hug Shirt, this product uses haptic actuators for a more immersive experience in music, hugs, and videogames. It can also be used for access to live concerts through the QPRO system.
- Hug by Laugh: This washable, soft bear has a beating heart and can play music from your favorite playlist.
- THE BIG HUG™ – DEEP PRESSURE POSITIONING AID: This therapeutic aid is designed to provide deep pressure to multiple areas of the body at once, giving the user a sense of calm and comfort.
- Bear Hug: A deep pressure vest designed specifically for children with proprioceptive and tactile integration dysfunction. It provides sensory feedback to help decrease hyper-responsiveness.
Swings and Swaddles
Here are some options for therapeutic swaddling and swinging:
- Adult Sleep Pod: This hooded sleep pod is designed for adults and provides gentle pressure to help with relaxation and anxiety.
- Peapod with Pump: This inflatable canoe can be used as a swing, tunnel, or even a “cocoon” for deep pressure and calming.
- Sensory Swinging Platform: It provides a safe and secure space for individuals to swing in multiple directions and at varying speeds, providing sensory stimulation and regulation.
Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy
You’ve spent so much time trying to act like others and masking your true self, that you may have lost touch with what you truly enjoy and need. A neurodiverse-affirming therapist can help guide you in exploring your unique interests, preferences, and needs. What do you like? What are your boundaries and limits? What does your body need? It’s important to figure out these things in order to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions.
By working with a neurodiverse affirming therapist in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego, you can learn to embrace your neurodivergent identity and find new ways to navigate through life with self-acceptance and compassion. For example, you may feel societal pressure to hang out with your friends in large groups. But it’s okay to have a preference for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Ignoring this preference can lead to burnout and stress. Allowing yourself the self-compassion to make these decisions and set boundaries can lead to a more fulfilling and manageable life.
Comparison is Not Fair to You
It’s common for neurodivergent individuals to compare themselves to neurotypical people. But this often leads to unjust comparisons, as a neurotypical nervous system is structured differently and processes information in a different way. For example, you may struggle with executive functioning skills like planning and organization, while a neurotypical person may find these tasks easier. This is not a reflection of your abilities or worth, but rather a result of how your brain is wired. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, focus on understanding and embracing your unique strengths and challenges.
The “Should” Trap
As a neurodivergent individual, you may have heard phrases like “you should try this” or “why don’t you just do it this way?” These “should” statements can be harmful and dismissive of your inner experience. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Just because something works for others does not mean it will work for you. Allow yourself the space and self-compassion to find what works best for you, even if it may be different from what society expects.
Sensory Differences
Sensory processing can also vary greatly among neurodivergent individuals. You may find certain sounds, textures, or smells overwhelming while others do not. This is a normal part of being neurodiverse and there is nothing wrong with you for having different sensory preferences. It’s important to communicate your needs and boundaries to those around you and to create a sensory-friendly environment for yourself whenever possible.
Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout is a common experience among neurodivergent individuals, especially those who have spent a significant amount of time masking their true selves in order to fit in with societal expectations. This can lead to exhaustion, overwhelm, and difficulty coping with daily tasks. It’s important to recognize the signs of burnout and seek support from a therapist or trusted individual. A neurodivergent affirming therapist in San Diego can help you navigate through feelings of burnout and work towards finding balance in your life. Remember, self-care is not selfish and taking breaks when needed can prevent burnout and help you thrive.
Work with a Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego!
Working with a neurodivergent affirming therapist in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego can provide you with the support and guidance you need to embrace your unique identity. They can also help you navigate through challenges related to neurodiversity, such as sensory differences and burnout. At Open Doors Therapy, our therapists are dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for neurodivergent individuals to explore their inner selves and find self-acceptance. We specialize in working with autistic inidividuals. Our therapists are trained and experienced in advocating for neurodiversity and understand the challenges and strengths associated with being neurodivergent. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, our services, and which may be right for you, you can follow these steps to gain more information:
- Reach out to our autism therapy practice and schedule a free phone consultation.
- Learn more about our team
- Work with an autistic and neurodiversity affirming therapist in Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego!
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
At Open Doors Therapy, we proudly serve Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other areas in California. We strive to provide resources, support, and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones. This is why our team offers a variety of services so we can meet your unique needs. Our California-based practice is happy to offer a variety of services that include: individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
About Tasha Oswald Ph.D. and Her Team
Meet Dr. Tasha Oswald, a licensed psychologist (#30423) and the Founder of Open Doors Therapy and Neurodiversity School. With 15+ years of experience in developmental and clinical psychology, Dr. Oswald and her team specialize in providing compassionate therapy for neurodivergent individuals. Discover your unique strengths, embrace neurodiversity, and navigate life’s challenges with invaluable support and guidance at Open Doors Therapy.
