What does “neurodiversity” mean?

Neurodiversity means the diversity of human minds. Differences like Autism are a biological fact, not a choice, and reflect cognitive differences that resound throughout the body (especially through the nervous system) and mind. In this case, neurodiversity means people who are Autistic or have ADHD, OCD, CPTSD, and other conditions that create a different brain, and therefore a different way of seeing and experiencing the world.

For more on this, I recommend Nick Walker’s Neurodiversity Terms and Definitions.

Is this the same thing as therapy?

No, I am not a psychologist and this is not a therapy. The work we do together is best thought of as a complement to therapy, especially for those who wish to explore beyond medical models and definitions. This work can also stand alone because neurodiversity is not a mental illness and I do not approach it as something to fix. Some conditions, like C-PTSD, may require formal therapeutic interventions, and I may recommend and help facilitate such measures when it is in the best interest of the client. But neurodiversity in itself is not a mental illness or defect, and sometimes psychological approaches and models that dehumanize neurodiverse people cause more harm than good. As a complement to therapy, I work with a care team to support an individual, and as an advocate I support that individual by sharing knowledge and uplifting their autonomy throughout their life, including medical contexts.

Do you accept self-diagnosis?

Yes. The realities of the American health care system make it unreasonable to expect all neurodiverse people to have access to formal medical care and professional diagnosis. Sometimes, we might get one diagnosis and through learning, realize we probably have others. Getting more diagnoses isn’t always possible and for some, might not even be safe. Further, many of the struggles neurodiverse people experience are not specific to just one diagnosis. Since there is considerable overlap, the focus here is on education and advocacy, regardless of diagnosis.

Can you explain the fees?

For a complete list of pricing, please see the Pricing page.

Pricing reflects the reality that many, if not most, neurodiverse people struggle financially, often due to a lack of disability care or justice. Keeping services affordable for a wide variety of people is a core value of this practice, and is coupled with agreements made between myself and the client as to how and when payment will be delivered. This may include a mutually agreed-upon payment plan or in very select cases, a skill-sharing option that might include participating in a public trash pickup or service opportunity. No one is simply turned away because of an inability to pay.

What sorts of tools do you use?

When exploring each person’s sensory world, there is no limit to how creative we can get! To learn about someone’s sensory needs related to food or support someone through ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) we might explore food together through cooking, or we might experiment with different ways of communicating to learn how you best express yourself. We might support someone’s bodily awareness with (super) gentle yoga or help them script important discussions, work through higher ed, or prepare for a job interview. If all else fails, I’ll learn with you and do everything I can to make that process easier.

How do you practice reparations?

Land statements are great, but they usually end with the statement. This practice seeks to go beyond the land acknowledgement by contributing to a better world and supporting justice around us. This value is woven throughout every element of this work and is shared with each person I work with. Substantial discounts are also available for our Indigenous relatives. We also welcome collaboration with individuals and organizations that support Indigenous communities. Have an idea? Send it to me at dr.re.fawcett@gmail.com.

Do you welcome LGBTQ+ people?

Yes, full stop. We are all human beings, and many neurodiverse people express fluidity in a variety of ways, including how we experience gender and sexuality - I am proudly queer. The diversity of ways that humanity explores gender (or no gender) and sexuality (or asexuality) is something to be honored and celebrated, reminding us of the very authenticity that is central to this practice.

Are your services open to neurotypical people?

If you are a neurotypical person who is exploring neurodiversity or want to expand your neurodiversity knowledge to better love and support those around you, or perhaps you’re just beginning your own journey, we welcome you.

If you are a caretaker for a neurodiverse person of any level of care need, we welcome you.

If you are an “advocate” that believes neurodiverse people just need to be taught and disciplined into being “normal,” this is not the right place for you.

If you are committed to abelism, including the rhetoric that vaccines cause Autism, this is not the right place for you.

Are your events open to neurotypical people?

Yes, but not without some conditions. Like any space that is meant to create safety and peace for a marginalized group, that space will sometimes be protected solely for use by that group.

All events and projects will also center a neurodiverse way of being such as sensory differences, how time is approached, and so on. In such cases, the priority of these spaces is not for them to become educational spaces where those seeking solace are forced to become the educators and navigators of neurotypical understanding and comfort. So, events are not for neurotypical people to expand their understanding of neurodiversity. Please see Services for that need. Those who do not respect these spaces will be asked to leave.

However, if they are the caretaker of a neurodiverse person and are that individual’s +1 to an event, they are welcome with the understanding that the event will prioritize the needs and comfort of neurodiverse people, not neurotypicals. In such cases, I recommend reflecting on what it means to decenter oneself and practice active listening and support before attending.

Again, events are not educational spaces for the public. They are safe spaces for neurodiverse people. If education is your goal, please reach out to me using the info below or the Contact page.

How do we begin?

Submit an inquiry to the Contact page, letting me know what sorts of services (or a mix) you’re interested in.

We will then have a free consultation during which we discuss your needs and questions and explore how we might work together. If we both feel this is a good fit, we’ll proceed to the contract.

All clients, after the intial intake, complete a Contract with me that details the terms of service, payment schedule and structure, and other important details including how we will communicate with each other in moments of distress. This will also include our meeting schedule, all of which is discussed during the initial consultation. Once signed and completed, regular sessions begin.

Further questions?

please feel free to email us at dr.re.fawcett@ gmail.com