Neurodiversity. As an advocate for persons living with intellectual and developmental differences, and as a parent to Katarina, a teenager with Down syndrome, I enjoy supporting clients, parents, and loved ones on this unique journey. I am especially invested in creating a world --

where unconditional love and belonging are experienced by all. 

Neurodiversity, defined broadly, can include the unique ways persons living with ADHD, ASD, and other learning  or processing differences communicate, process, and respond to their environment and people around them. This is an evolving area of clinical research which is bringing awareness to the experiences of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4086365/. Individuals who may identify as a HSP may or may not also have other neurodivergent diagnoses, but it is believed that a certain sub-set of these individuals can also present with an ADHD or autism diagnosis. Ultimately, I am invested in helping individuals and families understand the ways to best support someone who is considered a part of this community.

Additionally, person-first language is of great importance to me (Rahman, 2019). "People are not their diagnosis nor their disability, and how we talk about and attend to this population needs continued advocacy and advancements in inclusive care practices, which impart value for the whole person, beyond their disability type" (Piland, 2025). An example of person-first language would be: 'Katarina, the bright young woman who has Down syndrome, may become over-stimulated when...'. Furthermore, it is my hope that a diagnosis is never used to define anyone's place in the world or used to refer to them (e.g., that Down's girl), but instead they are noticed and valued for their unique strengths.

Obtaining a Diagnosis. Although the current diagnostic classification system, based on the DSM-V-TR (APA, 2022) has its limitations, it can serve as a resource for identifying the unique ways a person might need support. Obtaining a professional diagnosis for acquiring the appropriate and necessary supports to achieve one's fullest potential is a part of that process. My training, informed by a person-in-context perspective, allows for considerations of the nuances that come with a person's strengths and functional needs. Nevertheless, diagnosis facilitates obtaining professional support services, and in many cases, serves as the vehicle for coverage and reimbursement of such services under insurance.

Co-occurring Diagnoses. Another limitation of the DSM-V-TR is the complexity of co-occurring symptoms and diagnoses. This is where having a trained professional on your team can be invaluable. The following is a useful visual resource for helping clients recognize when they might meet the criteria for more than one diagnosis (e.g., ADHD and ASD). https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd-vs-autism/. At times, individuals may not fully meet diagnostic criteria but still have functional needs. My desire is to lead clients to functional supports for optimal living, regardless of meeting the strict definitions for any diagnosis. I am here to help you and your family tease through the diagnostic puzzle together!