Resources

Directory of neurodiversity-affirming therapists (newer, growing list)

Directory of progressive therapists, try “neurodiversity-affirming” in search tools, can filter by other specialties & insurance

Directory of justice-oriented therapists, can filter by specialties, insurance, & sliding scale

BIPOC therapist directories compiled by Just Davia

Directory of justice-oriented therapists providing sliding scale rates ($30-$60) after one-time membership fee

MA: Merrimack River Wellness (autistic/queer child, young adult, & parenting groups)

CA: Gamer Therapy Groups (teens, college-aged, adults)

WA: Delphi Young Adult Groups

No-cost letters: GALAP Directory

Letters in 1 session: Van Levy’s Directory

While it is less difficult to find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist than an assessor, it can still be tough. It’s awesome that “neurodiversity” has become a more common term for therapists to use, but many are using it for marketing purposes without actually understanding what it means.

AVOID: uses language like ASD, “with” autism, functioning labels, “deficits,” mentions ABA in positive way, teaches social skills, emphasizes providing CBT without anything like psychodynamic, relational, IFS, feminist, trauma-focused, or culturally sensitive (i.e., these are better), their vibe feels like they would be trying to “change” you rather than empower you.

ASK: Do you have experience working with autistic/ADHDer clients? What are your views on the neurodiversity movement? If they are not as knowledgeable about neurodiversity but clearly have a social-justice oriented stance in other ways, then there is a high likelihood they would be a much better fit than someone who says they’ve “worked with ASD and teach social skills,” for example.