Debate: When choosing a psychologist, does a shared neurodivergent experience matter?

From time to time, I like to debate some of the statements I see on social media. It’s become a bit of a marketing tool for psychologists to mention their neurotype, so let’s jump in.

On the one hand, selecting a neurodivergent psychologist can indeed mean opting for a professional who brings an authentic level of empathy and understanding to the therapeutic relationship. A neurodivergent psychologist may possess a deeper, lived understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by neurodivergent clients. This shared experience can create a strong foundation of trust and rapport, as the psychologist might intuitively grasp nuances that neurotypical practitioners may overlook or struggle to fully comprehend.

Indeed, the presence of a neurodivergent psychologist in the therapeutic field can offer representation and a sense of validation for clients who feel marginalised or misunderstood by neurotypical perspectives or have repeatedly been misdiagnosed. The psychologist's lived experience may also drive the psychologist to advocate harder for their clients, challenging societal misconceptions and promoting acceptance and accommodation within the therapeutic process.

However, assuming a neurodivergent psychologist will automatically offer a superior service is not always accurate. Let’s not forget it’s not exactly the superpower we were led to believe. 

Empathy and understanding are critical qualities that any psychologist, regardless of neurotype, must cultivate through training, experience, and self-awareness. The assumption that neurodivergence guarantees these qualities risks oversimplifying the complexities of both psychological practice and the diversity within the neurodivergent community itself.

A shared neurodivergent experience does not necessarily equate to a shared therapeutic approach or compatibility. Neurodivergent individuals have diverse experiences and perspectives, and what works for one person may not work for another. A neurodivergent psychologist may have biases or blind spots based on their own experiences, which could affect their ability to fully understand and support their neurodivergent clients.

For me, I do share my recent diagnosis. But I have shared many things over the years, including that I am an immigrant (my accent gives that one away), a wife and a mother. I love dogs, and you will often see Nugget, my therapy dog, in my Telehealth sessions. The reality is that this is the lens through which I operate. Does it appeal to some and not to others? No doubt! But I’m not trying to be all things to all people. So, I guess the answer is, if it matters to you, it matters!

My advice, though, is always to check a psychologist’s memberships and qualifications when seeking an assessment or therapy. And once you are working with your psychologist, judge their efficacy by your experience in session rather than whether they share the same neurotype as you do. 

… But I digress, not untypical of an ADHDer. I did promise in my last post to discuss practical strategies for building a stronger relationship when one partner is ADHD and the other is autistic.  I promise to get to this in my next blog post. Stay tuned!