18/03/2026
Deep breathing isn’t a universal calm-down strategy. I feel like as a clinician once you realise this, you start questioning everything else you were taught to apply generically.
Working with autistic and ADHD adults means understanding that of course while we still follow an evidence-based approach, we can practice in a way where we aren’t just following a script. We have to know and understand the evidence well enough to adapt it meaningfully.
A neurotypical client might find a body scan grounding. An autistic client might find it overwhelming, disconnecting, or just… nothing. But give them a strategy built around their specific interests, or something grounded in the sensory input that actually regulates their nervous system? That can be so helpful!
This is what neurodiversity-affirming practice actually looks like in the room. Not throwing out the evidence base, just not applying it as though every brain works the same way.
I actually think practising this way is better for clinicians too. It asks more of you creatively, it keeps you thinking, it means sessions are often more flexible and go where the client needs them to go. I think that depth and flexibility is what makes this work really meaningful, interesting, enjoyable, and sustainable.
If you’re a psychologist who’s already started practising this way (or you’ve been wanting to and just need the right environment) that’s exactly what we do at theneuronurturecollective, and we’re looking for new team members! Please feel free to get in touch if you’re a psychologist in Australia looking for a new role 😌