Using the Brain Science of ADHD as a Guide for Neuro-affirming Practice

Supporting neurodivergent adults and children to navigate the world requires mental health practitioners to use a neuro-affirming and neurobiological approach to therapy. Most adult ADHD clients report having spent years navigating the mental health care system with little success due to treatment methods that are not designed to meet the cognitive needs of neurodivergent minds.

In this unique book, clinical psychologist Dr Kerry Chillemi, neurodivergent herself, explores the brain science of ADHD as a guide for neuro-affirming practice. Her approach uses embodied self-awareness to minimise the roadblocks that can prevent neurodivergent people from achieving their best lives. She makes liberal use of real-life client vignettes throughout that vividly illustrate concepts and enrich the reader's appreciation and understanding of the neurodivergent mind. The many sincere voices of ADHDers lend considerable weight to the effectiveness of this guide in how best to achieve a neuro-affirming approach with clients.

Most adult ADHD clients report having spent years navigating the mental health care system with little success due to treatment methods that are not designed to meet the cognitive needs of neurodivergent minds. An ADHD brain is not wired the same way as a non-ADHD brain. Many of the mechanisms required to intuitively tune out environmental distractors, control impulses and sustain attention are dysregulated in ADHD.

An ADHDer is acutely aware of their differences energetically, physically, emotionally, and mentally, giving them a remarkable view of the world. There are moments when ADHDers feel confident, productive, inspired, and hyper-focused. Conversely, ADHDers can feel lost, exhausted, insecure, and overwhelmed with paralyses and inaction.

Kerry's approach to therapeutic work with ADHDers supports building a healthy self-concept and an eagerness to learn. Chapter topics include:

- Self-Identity

- Self-Compassion

- Neuroception

- Fatigue

- Thought Processing

- Burnout

Applying a neuro-affirming approach in clinical and counselling practice embraces the many strengths and beauty of neurodivergence and its different manifestations of thinking. When we accept ourselves, we can remove the mask that makes us feel hidden, rejected, and disconnected. We can avoid the tragedy of neurodivergent individuals going through life disconnected from their brilliant minds because they see themselves as broken.