At KDH Counseling, our therapists specialize in a number of different areas, one of which being their ability to provide neurodiversity-affirming care, primarily for neurodivergent people who have low support needs.
You may be hearing more and more about neurodiversity, a term that recognizes and celebrates the natural variations in human brain function and behavioral traits as part of the normal spectrum of human diversity. Just as biodiversity enriches our planet, neurodiversity acknowledges that neurological differences – such as autism, ADHD, OCD, and others – are not only normal, but are also valuable and necessary aspects of humanity. The diversity that exists in human neurological function, also known as individual neurotypes, allows for creativity and problem solving in greater capacity than what is available to one neurotype alone. When we say “two brains are better than one,” we are really talking about two neurotypes being better than one.
When an individual's neurocognitive profile, or neurotype, differs from what is considered neurologically “typical,” they may be described as neurodivergent. Their neurotype as a whole or specific neurological function diverges from the norm. It's important to understand that neurodivergence exists along a spectrum, but not one like a single line from one extreme to another (e.g., introversion to extroversion), and more like a color wheel. Just as a color has different hues, saturations, and brightness levels, neurodivergence encompasses a wide variety of traits and experiences. Individuals will have their own unique blend of these characteristics. As a result, every neurodivergent person is a unique human, with no one neurotype being the same as another. As a result, each neurodivergent person has varying levels of support needs.
We often hear support needs as a comment relevant to Autistic people; however, many people currently have, would benefit from, or will eventually need support in some way in their lifetime. When thinking of disability, for example, there are people who are born with bodies that require assistance in accessing the world. Other people may develop a disability at some point in their life, which means that their need for support is likely to at least shift and sometimes also increase. Finally, all of us will experience changes due to aging (if we are lucky enough to live into old age) that will increase our needed support. It is worth noting at this point that disability is a social construct, and many of our disabled friends, family, and community members would benefit in having a world that is built with disability in mind. For example, if we ensure we are building our communities with wide sidewalks, ramps instead of stairs or steps, and doorways that are wide enough for larger bodies and mobility devices - which ADA compliant building codes do not always do, we would all benefit. The level of support one person needs can be changed depending on the context within which they are living.
When specifically thinking about and working with Autistic clients, the support needs categorization is based on the diagnosed level (level 1, 2, or 3) of Autism, which was previously discussed as “functioning.” Level of function (i.e., high-functioning vs. low-functioning) is an outdated frame of ability, which does not take into account the variety of function that exists within the Autism community broadly, and also within a single Autistic person. Function as a degree of measurement of a person’s abilities limits them to what the society considers “functional” in the first place. Here in the United States, we typically think of skills related to full time work and/or independent living; however, as we mentioned previously, these specific gauges of ability tell us more about the community than they do the person with the functioning label. It places the blame for dysfunction or disability onto the person instead of also thinking about the causes of disability coming from society. Function levels are dehumanizing to the people they sought to describe. This new support need system strives to represent support needs in a way that is more affirming, promoting inclusion and more accurate representation of the needs and strengths of Autists. They are not low functioning - they need support!
People with many support needs (or we may say “high support needs”) require accommodations in nearly all aspects of daily life, particularly in areas like communication, self-care, and mobility. They may rely heavily on caregivers for essential tasks like eating, dressing, and personal hygiene. For instance, someone with high-support needs may need help with feeding or dressing due to difficulties with motor coordination or cognitive challenges. Communication is often difficult for Autistic people, whether they are non-speaking entirely or communicate in ways that may make it difficult for the average person to understand their needs. In such cases, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, like speech-generating devices or picture boards, can be helpful tools for communicating with other Autistic and allistic (or non-Autistic) people alike. Mobility can also be challenging, and individuals may need physical support to move around or may use adaptive equipment like wheelchairs or walkers. Caregivers play an essential role in providing this support, ensuring the individual’s safety and well-being while helping them engage in chosen daily activities. Despite the need for intensive accommodations, individuals with high-support needs can still lead fulfilling lives with the appropriate level of support and resources tailored to their specific needs.
People with mid-support needs require more consistent assistance and often face challenges in several areas of daily life, though they are generally more independent than those with high-support needs. They may struggle with organizing tasks, managing time, and following through with daily responsibilities without support. For example, a child at this level might need help keeping track of homework assignments or following a routine. Social situations can also be difficult to navigate, as individuals with mid-support needs might have trouble interpreting social cues, understanding conversational flow, or responding appropriately in social settings. To help manage these challenges, individuals at this level often benefit from specialized education services, including individualized learning plans (IEPs) in the school system and possibly specific guidance on communication norms in their cultural setting. Established routines can also be crucial in reducing anxiety, as predictability helps many people, with and without support needs, to feel more comfortable and better manage sensory sensitivities, which may be triggered by noisy or chaotic environments.
People with low-support needs are largely independent and typically require minimal assistance with everyday activities, allowing them to function effectively in various environments, including home, school, or work. They often have the skills to manage their own daily routines, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances, which enables them to live more independently or with minimal assistance from their support system. For example, an adult with low-support needs might maintain a job, take care of personal responsibilities, and have a routine that involves socializing with friends or engaging in hobbies without requiring significant support. Despite their high level of independence, individuals with low-support needs might still benefit from occasional guidance or structure, particularly in areas like social interactions or emotional regulation. Socially, they may find it challenging to navigate certain social cues or engage in deeper conversations without additional support, such as reminders or coaching on how to read body language or handle complex social situations. These individuals might attend social events or gatherings, but may occasionally need assistance in initiating or maintaining conversations or handling awkward social dynamics. In essence, while they lead largely independent lives, some tailored support can help them thrive in social and emotional contexts, ensuring they are fully equipped to handle life's challenges with greater ease.
At KDH Counseling, we are prepared and love to work with neurodivergent individuals and families who have low support needs, offering tailored therapeutic approaches that honor their unique strengths and challenges. As counselors and social workers, we provide therapy as an important tool for all of our clients, including those with a variety of different neurotypes. Therapy is not always the best option for every neurodivergent person’s needs. Sometimes, the most pressing needs stem from societal barriers, lack of understanding, or inadequate accommodations in educational, work, or social environments. Addressing these systemic issues can be crucial for well-being, alongside or even before individual therapy.
As we have mentioned before, mental health counseling is not always the best fit for certain clients and with certain needs. This is a list of some of the ways KDH Counseling may not be the best fit, and for which we would refer out to one of our trusted referral sources.
Ultimately, our goal at KDH Counseling is to be a supportive partner for neurodivergent individuals and families, offering therapeutic guidance and connection to a broader ecosystem of care when needed. We invite you to reach out and explore how our neurodiversity-affirming approach can contribute to a more fulfilling and empowered life for you and your loved ones.