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If so, then you might be neurodivergent, which can be a strength. Neurodivergence means your brain operates uniquely, not fitting the “typical” mold. It’s not a flaw but a diversity that benefits society. Studies suggest as many as 20% of people are neurodivergent.
You made the grades and have the track record you needed to get where you are. Others thought you made it look easy, but it was anything but.
Now, it feels like things are catching up with you.
Balancing work, life, and relationships is taking a toll.
People with ADHD have differences in their levels of focus, attention, and energy. They may have a keen ability to hyperfocus on things that interest them but struggle with sustaining focus in less preferred tasks. They can spot inefficiences in process but struggle to follow them.
People with autism can have differences in the way they communicate with nonverbal and verbal language, thinking, and emotion regulation. They may have more restricted, specific, or repetitive behaviors and interests.
Learning challenges can be present in reading, math, writing, etc. Other challenges like dyspraxia or speech difficulties can be present. Often, a learning disorder is diagnosed when a person has higher cognitive abilities or IQ in an area than what is reflected in their academic performance.
Most neurodivergence is diagnosed in childhod, and often develops as a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors.
However, it sometimes goes unnoticed until adulthood, especially in children who are considered “smart” or are “well-behaved.”
Being neurodivergent simply means you’re not neurotypical, where brains work as expected. Being neurotypical is not better than being neurotypical. Neurotypical brains are just more statistically common in the population.
Neurodivergence often presents both strengths and challenges.
For example, someone with autism can show exceptional persistence and focus, pattern recognition and process formation skills, and attention to detail.
On the other hand, they may also feel overwhelmed by the world around them and sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises and venues, visually stimulating environments like large department stores, crowds), struggle with social interactions, and experience depression and anxiety which is worsened by being forced to “fit in” in a neurotypical environment.
Absolutely. And it most likely has contributed to your success in one or more areas of your life.
Most neurodivergence is defined by a group of differences that people may experience and can use their strengths and expert guidance to work through. People are not their symptoms. People are full of infinite potential.
However, it is very important that you identify what your challenges are with neurodivergence.
That way you can be more like Batman.
You have a challenge. So, you can’t fly like Superman. You build a Bat Plane. You can’t climb walls like Spiderman. You use a Batarang, a Batmobile with grips, or something else you create in the cave.
Neurodivergence can come with both strengths and challenges.
STRENGTHS
Some strengths associated with neurodivergence include:
Challenges related to neurodivergence can manifest in various ways:
It’s common to wonder about being neurodivergent. Thankfully, in the last several years, there has been more attention on the subject of neurodiversity. Now, people realize that neurodiversity is something to be celebrated, not pathologized.
With growing interest in this topic can come alot of misinformation.
Be careful with online quizzes and tests. Many are not valid or reliable measures and can provide inaccurate results.
They should not be used to diagnose yourself or others with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning disorder or other neurodeelopmental disorder.
For a definitive answer on neurodivergence, it is recommended that you seek an assessment from a professional qualified through years of training and supervision to diagnose things like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning challenges.
Some people identify as neurodivergent even without a formal diagnosis. If your thinking, information processing, or behavior differs from the norm, you might view yourself as neurodivergent. And this is ok.
Neurodivergence isn’t a clinical diagnosis but a term for a specific set of traits, allowing many to identify as such regardless of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
However, if you want to:
If you suspect neurodivergence, consulting a professional can provide insight and ways to embrace your uniqueness. Acknowledging neurodivergence can help appreciate your strengths and uniqueness rather than seeing yourself as flawed or less than. Neurodivergence is anyting but that!
Qualified mental health professionals who typically do these evaluations in virtually all states are psychologists and neuropsychologists. Some states do allow masters-level providers with appropriate training and experience to administer these evaluations.
Assessment is something that all psychologists and neuropsychologists must have training and experience in to graduate from a doctoral program.
Dr. Hasek offers a specific testing battery for virtual ADHD and autism testing.
Gaining greater understanding of yourself and your strengths and challenges
Understanding the reasons for your challenges, which can be validating and healing and lead to an upward spiral of positive change
Receiving recommendations for treatment and change that leverage your strengths to address your challenges
Higher quality of life – Specifically, a 2020 study noted the following aspects of improvement for ADHD assessment in adults, specifically
Work productivity
Self-esteem
Functional performance
Intake / Onboarding Phase. After choosing a provider and completing the onboarding process, an intake appointment is conducted to gather information regarding past history, current functioning, explain the assessment process, and make a plan with the client to conduct the assessment.
Testing and Data Gathering Phase. Although providers differ somewhat in the procedures and testing materials they use, there are some pieces of information that are considered essential for a comprehensive evaluation:
A structured or semi-structured diagnostic interview for ADHD, ASD< etc. to assess DSM-5 criteria
Screening (and if appropriate, assessment) for other mental health disorders
Information from collateral sources on client’s current functioning (all sources are discussed with and approved by client, but typically include family members and potentially work colleagues, coaches or instructors, or other relevant third parties)
Standardized behavior rating scales (targeting the behaviors of ADHD, ASDH) which are typically administered to the client and loved ones or third parties selected by the psychologist and client
Additional testing can be necessary including psychological, neuropsychological, or learning differences assessment. For example, if neuropsychological testing indicates impairment in memory, combined with other data it could be related to ADHD. ASD, or from an unrelated issue. Moreover, if learning issues are suspected, then a test of intellectual ability and a test of academic achievement would be appropriate.
Interpretation Phase. During this phase, the psychologist will interpret all measures and data from the evaluation. Sometimes the psychologist may require additional testing. For example, if results of a memory test conflict with results from a test of intellectual ability, additional neuropsychological testing might be needed.
Integration Phase. At this point, the psychologist will work to integrate the data into a final report. The psychologist will contact the client to schedule a feedback session when the report is finished.
Feedback and Beyond. During the feedback session, the psychologist will review the results of the assessment, treatment options, and assist the client in planning a course intervention. This may include the psychologist communicating with the client’s medical or other providers.
Our psychologists are here to help you better understand your neurodivergence and help you chart a path forward.
We currently offer online evaluations in North Carolina and all PSYPACT states, including, but not limited to North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Georgia.
If you are ready to take control of your life and build Momentum moving forward to a bright future, follow the steps below to get started.
Consider our trained psychologists who administer these assessments:
Dr. William Hasek
Fill out our convenient online contact form.
Begin the journey to regaining control of your life
As well as having extensive training and experience in the treatment of burnout and stress-related issues, our team of therapists also offers a wide variety of online therapy services in North Carolina and all Psypact States. We work with lawyers, entrepreneurs, students, parents, and teens who are dealing with ADHD, trauma and loss, anxiety and panic, depression, and life transitions. We also offer SPACE, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. Our goal is to help you find success both professionally and personally so you can gain Momentum to excel in a bright future.
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Momentum Psychology’s resources are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. Our resources do not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. The information should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified mental health or medical provider who could best evaluate and advise based on a careful evaluation.
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