Do You Often Feel "Different" But
Can't Quiet Pinpoint Why?
Do you often feel “different” but can’t quite pinpoint why? Perhaps you’ve struggled with focus, social interactions, or feeling overwhelmed in environments others navigate with ease. You might have been told you’re too sensitive, too scattered, or too rigid, leaving you wondering if there’s something more going on.
Navigating the world through a neurodivergent lens can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially without understanding what’s driving your experiences. The good news is that you are not alone. A neurodiversity-affirming assessment can help bring clarity, validate your experiences, and provide a path forward tailored to your unique strengths and challenges.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that describes the various ways that different brains process, learn, and/or behave. It refers to the concept that neurological differences are natural variations in brain functioning. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the neurodiversity movement emphasizes the strengths and unique perspectives that come with these variations.
Neurodivergent is a term that describes a person whose brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical.” Since neurodiversity encompasses a range of learning differences, brain functioning, and mental health diagnoses, there are a variety of ways that neurodivergent individuals differ from neurotypical individuals.
Differences can include (but are not limited to) differences in processing speed, working memory, planning and organization, attention and concentration, interpretation of verbal and/or nonverbal social cues, communication style, learning style, sensory processing, expressive and/or receptive language, emotional functioning, and self- and social awareness.
Neurodivergent does not imply that someone’s brain is faulty, broken, or impaired in any way.
There are a number of diagnoses that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity, though having a diagnosis is not necessary for someone to be considered neurodivergent.
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Diagnoses that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella include (but are not limited to):
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Learning Disorders (such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia)
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Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
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Tourette Syndrome
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Bipolar Disorder (and other mental health disorders)
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Epilepsy
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity fosters self-awareness, self-advocacy, and acceptance, while empowering individuals to thrive in ways that honor their authentic selves.
What Are the Signs You or Your Loved One
Might Be Neurodivergent?
You or someone you care about might be neurodivergent if you notice patterns such as:
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Persistent difficulties with organization, forgetfulness, or impulsivity. A tendency to hyperfocus or procrastinate.
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Challenges with social interactions, a preference for routines, heightened sensory sensitivities, or a deep passion for specific interests.
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Struggles with reading, writing, or math despite average or above-average intelligence.
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Feeling out of sync with societal norms, needing more recovery time after social interactions, or experiencing burnout in environments designed for neurotypical individuals.
These signs may manifest in ways that feel confusing or frustrating, but they can also illuminate the strengths and unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
Why Work With a Neurodiversity
Affirming Psychologist?
Traditional approaches often aim to “fix” or conform individuals to neurotypical norms, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration.
A neurodiversity-affirming psychologist takes a different path by:
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Validating Experiences: Recognizing and respecting neurodiverse perspectives.
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Focusing on Strengths: Highlighting inherent talents and abilities while addressing challenges.
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Taking a Collaborative Approach: Working with you to develop tailored strategies that align with your unique needs.
This approach fosters growth, acceptance, and empowerment rather than conformity.
How Can a Neurodiversity Assessment
Help You or Your Loved One?
A neurodiversity assessment can provide:
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Diagnostic Clarity: Understanding the root cause of challenges.
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Solutions & Strategies: Tailored recommendations to address specific needs.
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Peace of Mind: Relief in knowing your experiences are valid and shared by others.
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Resources: Connections to support groups, therapies, and accommodations.
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A Path Forward: A clear plan to help you thrive at work, school, and in personal relationships.
What to Expect During a Neurodiversity Assessment for Adults?
Step 1 – Initial Consultation: A conversation to understand your history, goals, and concerns.
Step 2 – The Testing/Evaluation Process: Tailored to your needs – includes a thorough interview, questionnaires, and evidence-based assessments, typically completed in one to two sessions.
Step 3 – Feedback: A detailed discussion of findings, including diagnoses (if applicable) and actionable recommendations.
Step 4 – Written Report: A comprehensive document summarizing results, strategies, and next steps.
This process is collaborative, transparent, and designed to empower you with insights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurodiversity Evaluations
Is testing necessary for a diagnosis?
Testing provides clarity, but self-identification and lived experiences are equally valuable. Testing is one of many tools to help guide your journey.
Will having a diagnosis negatively affect me?
A diagnosis can help you access accommodations, services, and self-understanding. It is your decision whether or not you share a diagnosis with others in your life. Some people appreciate the clarity and insights a diagnosis can provide for their personal understanding. Others appreciate having documented information to share with others to help bring that understanding to their relationships.
Does insurance cover neurodiversity assessments?
Some insurance plans will cover all or part of testing. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine your specific benefits and whether or not you have coverage for in-network or out-of-network psychological assessment services.
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Do you offer neurodiversity assessments for children? What about ADHD testing or Autism testing??
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Yes! We evaluate children and adolescents who are referred for a variety of reasons, including Autism, ADHD, and other issues that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. Comprehensive psychoeducational testing can help pinpoint areas of strength and developmental challenges in children and lead to diagnostic clarity. Evaluations are available for children as young as 1-year-old.
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Ready to Gain Clarity & Answers so
You Can Move Forward?
Additional Counseling & Psychological Testing Services at Our Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, & Plantation, FL Offices
Neurodiversity Assessments for adults isn't the only counseling and psychological service we provide in our Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation offices. We help people across their life span... Sometimes, life gets complicated and you or your loved ones may be struggling with more than one challenge. Keep in mind, you're not alone... no matter what you're going through, we're here to help!
Our expert psychologists and counselors at Bayview Therapy specialize in different areas. We offer a wide range of counseling and psychological services to support our Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Weston, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Parkland communities.
We provide therapy and psychological evaluations for children, teens, adults, couples, and families dealing with a wide variety of life's challenges across the lifespan. Some of our specialties include depression counseling; trauma therapy and EMDR therapy; teen counseling; child and family counseling; couples counseling or marriage therapy; psychiatric medication management; and more.
We also provide affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ+ community and online counseling options using our secure HIPAA compliant platform.
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Understanding yourself or a loved one through the lens of neurodiversity can open doors to self-acceptance, empowerment, and growth. Take the first step today by scheduling your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation by calling 954.391.5305 today. Together, we’ll explore how a neurodiversity assessment can help you thrive.
We offer comprehensive neurodiversity testing for adults at our Coral Springs, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale counseling offices.