Neurodiversity Therapy & SEN Support
Specialist therapy for neurodivergent children, teenagers, and young adults with deep understanding of their unique strengths and challenges
Understanding Neurodiversity Through Experience
Every neurodivergent individual has unique strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. Through my experience working in SEN schools, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of supporting neurodivergent young people in their mental health journey.
Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome, and other neurological differences. Rather than viewing these as deficits, I approach neurodiversity from a strengths-based perspective, recognizing that different neurological wiring brings both unique challenges and remarkable abilities.
SEN School Experience & Expertise
My hands-on experience working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools has provided me with invaluable insights into the daily realities faced by neurodivergent young people. This experience has taught me:
Individual Learning Styles
Understanding that each neurodivergent child processes information differently and requires tailored approaches to learning and communication.
Sensory Considerations
Recognizing how sensory processing differences impact daily functioning and therapeutic engagement, and adapting environments accordingly.
Communication Adaptations
Developing flexible communication strategies that work with each individual's preferred methods of expression and understanding.
Routine and Structure
Understanding the importance of predictability and clear expectations while maintaining flexibility when needed.
Collaborative Approach
Working closely with families, schools, and other professionals to create consistent support across all environments.
Strengths-Based Focus
Identifying and building upon each individual's unique strengths, interests, and natural abilities.
Therapeutic Adaptations for Neurodivergent Clients
Effective therapy for neurodivergent individuals often requires thoughtful adaptations to ensure full engagement and meaningful progress. Based on my SEN experience, I understand that one size does not fit all.
Flexible Session Length
Sessions may be shorter to accommodate attention spans and processing needs. Some clients thrive with 30-minute sessions, while others benefit from traditional 50-minute sessions. We find what works best for each individual.
Sensory-Friendly Environment
Adjusting lighting, noise levels, and sensory elements in the therapy room to create a comfortable space that reduces overwhelm and supports focus.
Visual and Concrete Tools
Using visual aids, social stories, charts, and hands-on materials to support understanding and communication when verbal processing is challenging.
Movement and Fidgets
Incorporating movement breaks and fidget tools when needed, understanding that physical movement often supports concentration and emotional regulation for neurodivergent individuals.
Clear Structure and Expectations
Providing clear session structure with visual schedules when helpful, while maintaining flexibility to adapt based on the individual's needs on any given day.
Special Interests Integration
Incorporating the client's special interests and passions into therapy sessions to build rapport and create meaningful connections to therapeutic goals.
Neurodiversity Support Across Age Groups
Children (Ages 5-12)
Building Foundation Skills
- Emotional recognition and regulation strategies
- Social skills development through play and structured activities
- Coping strategies for sensory challenges
- Building self-awareness and self-advocacy skills
- Supporting family understanding and communication
- Preparing for transitions and changes
Sessions often incorporate play therapy techniques, visual schedules, and hands-on activities tailored to the child's interests and learning style.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18)
Identity and Independence
- Understanding their neurodivergent identity and strengths
- Developing self-advocacy skills for school and social settings
- Managing anxiety and depression that may co-occur
- Navigating friendships and social relationships
- Planning for post-school transitions
- Building executive function and organizational skills
Teen sessions focus on building confidence, self-understanding, and practical skills for increasing independence.
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
Exploration and Growth
- Career exploration and workplace accommodation needs
- Relationship development and communication skills
- Independent living skills and self-management
- Understanding personal support needs
- Managing transitions to higher education or employment
- Developing authentic self-identity and confidence
Therapy becomes an exploration space where young adults can discover their authentic selves, build on their strengths, and develop strategies for thriving in adult life.
Common Challenges I Help Address
Executive Function Difficulties
Supporting the development of planning, organization, time management, and task initiation skills through practical strategies and tools.
Sensory Processing Challenges
Understanding sensory needs and developing coping strategies for overwhelming environments or sensory-seeking behaviors.
Social Communication
Building skills for reading social cues, maintaining friendships, and navigating complex social situations with confidence.
Emotional Regulation
Developing strategies for managing big emotions, meltdowns, and overwhelming feelings in healthy ways.
Anxiety and Overwhelm
Addressing anxiety that often accompanies neurodivergent conditions, particularly around social situations and changes.
Self-Esteem and Identity
Building positive self-concept and understanding personal strengths while addressing feelings of being "different" or misunderstood.
Therapy as an Exploration Space
For neurodivergent teenagers and young adults especially, therapy becomes a unique exploration space where they can:
Discover Their Authentic Self
Free from external expectations and pressures, clients can explore who they truly are, what matters to them, and how they want to navigate the world.
Understand Their Neurodivergent Brain
Learning about their specific neurological differences, how their brain works, and why certain things that are easy for others might be challenging for them.
Experiment with Strategies
Trying different approaches to challenges without fear of judgment, finding what works for their unique brain and lifestyle.
Build Self-Advocacy Skills
Learning to communicate their needs, ask for accommodations, and educate others about their neurodivergent experience.
Process Experiences
Making sense of past experiences, trauma, or feeling misunderstood, while building resilience for future challenges.
Plan for the Future
Exploring career paths, relationships, and life goals that align with their strengths and accommodate their challenges.
Supporting Families of Neurodivergent Young People
Families play a crucial role in supporting neurodivergent individuals. My work often includes:
Understanding Neurodiversity
Helping families understand their child's neurodivergent profile, including strengths and challenges, to respond with empathy and appropriate support.
Developing Strategies
Teaching practical strategies for daily challenges like routines, transitions, emotional regulation, and communication.
Advocacy Skills
Supporting parents in advocating for their child's needs in school, healthcare, and community settings.
Celebrating Strengths
Helping families recognize and nurture their child's unique strengths, interests, and abilities.
Ready to Support Your Neurodivergent Journey?
Whether you're a neurodivergent individual seeking understanding and strategies, or a family looking for support, therapy can provide a safe space for growth, exploration, and positive change.
All consultations are confidential and take place in my comfortable, neurodiversity-friendly practice in Colchester, Essex.