Glossary of Neurodivergent Therapy Lingo
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Disclaimer

This glossary is for educational and marketing purposes only. We hope this glossary can help you get to know us a little. We do our best to stay up to date with both research and lived-experiences in the worlds of neurodivergence and trauma, and other somatic stuff. We strive to stay up to date with the most respectful and honoring language and believe language is important, knowing we also have internalized ableism and privileges that keep us from seeing ourselves and others completely clearly. We continually strive nevertheless to understand the unique experience of the client we are sitting with and use your language, supporting your connecting with yourself, your life, and your world.

Late-Diagnosed

Late-diagnosed refers to people that have had the “symptom requirements” for a diagnosis all or most of their life and are just now, in late adolescence or adulthood, receiving a diagnosis that explains their traits, experiences, or characteristics.

Digging Deeper

The Emotional and Practical Impact of a Late Autism, ADHD, C-PTSD, or other Diagnosis

For most people, a late diagnosis can bring a mix of relief and grief, and other complex emotions.

Relief & Validation - The relief often comes from finally receiving answers to long-standing questions about oneself, past misdiagnoses, characteristics, and childhood experiences. This newfound clarity can help make sense of past struggles and provide validation.
Grief & Loss
- Grief for the Past Self - This aspect of grief involves mourning the pain of feeling misunderstood or unsupported during childhood. It may include reflecting on hurtful comments or experiences that were undeserved, as well as the internal struggles that led to negative self-talk and deeply ingrained negative beliefs about yourself.
- Grief for the Future Self - This type of grief pertains to mourning the future you had envisioned before the diagnosis.
Navigating Change - New self-awareness might make you re-evaluate relationships, boundaries, and your professional life, which can feel daunting or create feelings of uncertainty. This process can feel both freeing and scary, as you embrace your authentic identity while working through potential shifts in your personal and professional life.

Processing these mixed emotions and the changes they may bring can be a crucial part of the therapeutic process. We are honored to support you as you navigate your new understanding of yourself and adjust to the changes ahead.

Our Approach to Late Diagnosis of ADHD & Autism Here at The Hope Preserve 🌿

We honor and know from lived experience the unique challenges and complexities a late diagnosis brings. Our therapists offer a safe and compassionate space to:

Process complex emotions: Bring all your feels. They are all welcome. There is so much to process, and we don’t expect you to move through them at any certain speed.
Re-examine your narrative: Explore internalized negative messages and honor your strengths and unique perspectives.
Navigate life changes: Support you in adjusting expectations and boundaries in relationships, career, and personal goals as you integrate your newfound self-understanding.
Develop accommodations & coping skills you actually like: Learn practical strategies (and get support implementing them) for managing challenges related to executive function, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation.
Build self-compassion: Cultivate a loving and accepting relationship with yourself, embracing your authentic identity.