If you are questioning if you are neurodivergent or if you have formally received a diagnosis, I completely understand how you feel.

After living in limbo for over 20 years feeling like an outsider, then diagnosis bouncing from anxiety to sensory processing disorder, I finally found the diagnoses that miraculously fit me perfectly. 

The diagnoses that completely explained why I feel, think, and behave the way I do. The "boxes" I finally fit in:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

When I first heard these words I was shocked. As a mental health professional, how did I never see this sooner? Based on what I was taught in school and how society and the media portray people with autism and ADHD, I initially was in a state of denial.

But as I read the lists of symptoms that sounded like they were describing me specifically, I had a sudden wave of relief wash over me.

There was actually an explanation for why I am the way I am!

Every facet about myself that people made me feel bad for in the past was explained. It really wasn't my fault; I did do anything "wrong." I simply just didn't fit into their "box" so they tried controlling me by changing me.

As I read this, my entire perception of myself and my life experience completely changed in the best way possible. I finally felt free. I finally understood myself.

My denial instantly faded; at this moment I realized that I wasn't just "weird," "quirky," or "didn't fit in," my brain is simply just built differently. I am not neurotypical.

In fact, autism and ADHD are not even a mental disorders, they are neurological disorders: this means that our brain structure and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) are simply different than neurotypical people.

I share my story because this information needs to be shared more readily and this conversation needs to be had without the stigma behind the disorder and fear of being diagnosed.

If you are questioning if you are neurodivergent or if you have formally received a diagnosis, I completely understand how you feel.

After living in limbo for over 20 years feeling like an outsider, then diagnosis bouncing from anxiety to sensory processing disorder, I finally found the diagnoses that miraculously fit me perfectly. 

The diagnoses that completely explained why I feel, think, and behave the way I do. The "boxes" I finally fit in:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

When I first heard these words I was shocked. As a mental health professional, how did I never see this sooner? Based on what I was taught in school and how society and the media portray people with autism and ADHD, I initially was in a state of denial.

But as I read the lists of symptoms that sounded like they were describing me specifically, I had a sudden wave of relief wash over me.

There was actually an explanation for why I am the way I am!

Every facet about myself that people made me feel bad for in the past was explained. It really wasn't my fault; I did do anything "wrong." I simply just didn't fit into their "box" so they tried controlling me by changing me.

As I read this, my entire perception of myself and my life experience completely changed in the best way possible. I finally felt free. I finally understood myself.

My denial instantly faded; at this moment I realized that I wasn't just "weird," "quirky," or "didn't fit in," my brain is simply just built differently. I am not neurotypical.

In fact, autism and ADHD are not even a mental disorders, they are neurological disorders: this means that our brain structure and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) are simply different than neurotypical people.

I share my story because this information needs to be shared more readily and this conversation needs to be had without the stigma behind the disorder and fear of being diagnosed.

by allowing an individual to understand themselves, then there should be no stigma or shame around receiving one.

Jess says, "I am lucky enough to have my best friend, role model, and mom be neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD), as well, so I know I am never alone on my journey, but not everyone is so fortunate. 

The more we educate ourselves and others, the more we can help to reduce prejudice and stigma, and help those who truly need it, such as women like me and my mom."

and will be able to offer you psychoeducation on how and why your brain works the way it does, with structured, action-oriented sessions allowing you to learn about yourself and healthy coping skills, as well.

If you're really lucky, you'll get a neurodivergence therapist who is also neurodivergent (like Jess) who can understand you on an even deeper level.

While most neurodivergence specialists work with just about anyone, there is only one neurodivergence specialist who has expertise specifically in autism and ADHD in high-performing women, and that is Jess Pliszka.

In fact, most autistic women are intelligent, empathetic people who have a desire to communicate with others, but simply have difficulty doing so. 

Autism and ADHD are not linear spectrums; therefore, no two people have exactly the same traits. Two Autistic and/or ADHD people may have completely different symptoms but still have the same diagnosis. For example, the presence or lack of certain traits does not make a person "more" or "less" autistic.

Many autistic women who have minimal support needs are often told they "look normal" because they mask so well. But in reality, there is no one "look" for autism (or ADHD); therefore, telling someone they "look normal" can be offensive and come off as demeaning.