Understanding Neurodivergence: Seeing Yourself Clearly

Many people start noticing they experience the world differently from others and begin asking themselves, “Why does my brain work this way?” or “Why do I feel out of sync with people around me?” Maybe you think in spirals, notice details others miss, or feel “too much” or “not enough” depending on the day.

This is where the concept of neurodivergence becomes helpful. Neurodivergent simply means your brain processes information differently than the typical or expected pattern. This can include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, or other neurological differences. It doesn’t mean something is broken — it just means your wiring is unique. Like any wiring, it comes with both gifts and challenges.

Life, however, is often built for neurotypical brains. Schools, workplaces, and social expectations assume a certain way of processing information. That can make everyday life feel exhausting. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed in busy spaces, struggling to switch between tasks, hyper-focusing on what matters to you but zoning out on what doesn’t, or feeling misunderstood and out of sync. These aren’t personal failures — they’re just how your nervous system works.

Naming your experience matters. When you have language for your brain, you stop blaming yourself, stop forcing yourself into exhausting patterns, and start identifying environments, routines, and relationships that actually support you. Naming doesn’t box you in — it opens doors.

Counselling can help you navigate this journey. Working with a neurodiversity-informed therapist in London, Ontario provides a space to understand your patterns, develop routines that support your energy, learn authentic communication, and process the shame or masking you may have carried for years. Therapy isn’t about making you “normal.” It’s about helping you work with your brain instead of against it.

At Black Onyx Counselling & Wellness, we support neurodivergent individuals, teens, children, and families. We work at a pace that honors your nervous system — no pressure to mask, no demand to be anything but yourself. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Support is here, and you deserve to be seen and understood.

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With warmth,
Mary
Registered Psychotherapist
Serving London, Ontario and surrounding communities