#28 Navigating Neurodivergence: Tools, Challenges, and Personal Stories with Dr Emma Offord

Hello Therapy: Mental Health Tips For Personal Growth

Think you may be Autistic or experience ADHD and looking for guidance on what to do next from a neuro-affirming perspective?
In this episode, I invite Dr. Emma Offord, a clinical psychologist specialising in neurodivergence, to share her insights on the neurodivergent experience - particularly the discovery process and the emotional journey that can unfold as a result.
Emma shares her expertise on how understanding your sensory profile is important, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in various settings across the lifespan. Together we discuss the importance of having a compassionate and empowering view of neurodivergence, along with practical tips for navigating newly-discovered neurodivergence and life as a neurodivergent individual.
Highlights include:

(05:15) The Process of Discovering Neurodivergence

(11:42) Understanding Sensory Profiles and Their Impact

(18:30) Accommodations for Neurodivergent Individuals in Therapy

(22:10) Navigating Non-Affirming Environments as a Neurodivergent Person
About this week's guest
Dr Emma Offord is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in neurodivergence. She is the founder of Divergent Life, a neuroaffirming assessment, therapy and coaching private practice service. Emma also specialises in trauma, OCD, giftedness and sensory differences. She is passionate about the neurodiversity movement, developing more empowered ways to think about neurodivergence and providing creative and somatic forms of therapy for the neurodivergent community.

Emma provides a number of different services, including therapy, autism, ADHD and OCD assessments, consultation, training and supervision. Emma assesses adults for neurodivergence through a neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed lens. She created Divergent Life to support individuals in understanding their neurobiology in order for them to begin to design their life in ways that help them to thrive. All assessments are available online or in-person.

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DISCLAIMER - The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Chapter

1. #28 Navigating Neurodivergence: Tools, Challenges, and Personal Stories with Dr Emma Offord (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Neurodivergence (00:00:09)

3. Navigating Neurodivergent Identities (00:14:11)

4. Understanding Sensory Profiles in Neurodivergence (00:19:58)

5. Creating Neuroaffirming Environments (00:30:33)