Susan Zola

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and respects neurological differences in individuals. It suggests that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and others, are natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders or deficits.

The neurodiversity paradigm asserts that these differences should be recognized and accepted as a normal part of human diversity, similar to variations in personality, culture, or physical traits. Advocates of neurodiversity argue for societal accommodations and support systems that embrace the strengths and unique perspectives of neurodiverse individuals rather than trying to normalize or “cure” them.

In essence, neurodiversity promotes the idea that neurodiverse individuals have valuable contributions to make to society and that their differences should be celebrated rather than stigmatized or pathologized.

Being “neurodiverse” refers to having a neurological difference or variation that diverges from what is considered typical or neurotypical. Neurodiverse individuals may have conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, dyspraxia, and others. These conditions can manifest in various ways and may affect an individual’s cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Being neurodiverse does not imply that an individual is inherently impaired or deficient. Instead, it acknowledges that their brain functions differently from the majority of the population. Neurodiverse individuals often have unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that can be valuable in different contexts.

The concept of neurodiversity emphasizes acceptance, understanding, and accommodation for the diverse ways in which people’s brains work. It challenges the idea that there is a single “normal” or “ideal” way of thinking and behaving and promotes the idea that differences should be respected and valued in society.

Navigating relationships can be complex, especially for neurodivergent individuals or couples with varying neurological profiles. If you’re facing challenges, I offer support to help you find clarity and enhance the joy and fulfillment in your relationship, intimacy, and sexual experiences. Together, we can work towards making your connections as enjoyable, wonderful, and pleasurable as possible.

Neurodivergence can potentially impact sex addiction in several ways:

• Sensory Sensitivities: Many neurodivergent individuals have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can affect their experiences with sexual stimuli. This sensitivity may lead to either seeking out or avoiding certain sexual activities as a way to regulate sensory input.
• Impulsivity and Hyperfocus: Conditions such as ADHD can be associated with impulsivity and hyperfocus, which may contribute to engaging in risky sexual behaviors or excessive sexual activity without fully considering the consequences.
• Social Challenges: Neurodivergent individuals may face difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate relationships due to challenges in social communication and understanding social cues. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which may contribute to seeking out sexual encounters as a form of validation or connection.
• Difficulty Regulating Emotions: Some neurodivergent individuals struggle with regulating their emotions, which can lead to using sex as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges.
• Repetitive Behaviors: Repetitive or ritualistic behaviors are common in neurodivergent individuals, and these behaviors may extend to sexual activities, leading to compulsive or addictive patterns of behavior.

It’s important to note that not all neurodivergent individuals will experience sex addiction, and there is significant individual variation in how neurodivergence may intersect with sexual behavior. However, understanding these potential connections can be helpful in providing tailored support and interventions for individuals struggling with sex addiction within neurodivergent populations.

Many neurodivergent adults find joy and fulfillment in connection, contact, and communication. Despite facing unique challenges in navigating social interactions, they often form deep and meaningful relationships that bring them comfort and support.

Whether through shared interests, mutual understanding, or supportive communities, neurodivergent adults cherish the connections they build with others. These relationships provide opportunities for growth, empathy, and companionship, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals experience and appreciate human connection.

1. Neuro-Inclusive IFS – developed by Candice Christiansen and Meg Martinez-Detamanti  
2. TheArticlulateAutistic.com, Jaime A. Heidel
3. ADHDGirls.Co.UK, Samantha Hiew, Ph.D.
4. Autistamatic.com, Quinn Dexter
5. PlanetNeurodivergent.com
6. Socialautie.com, Carole Jean Whittington
7. MindYourAutisticBrain.com; developed by Carole Jean Whittington, expert in burnout prevention and recovery
8. Theara.com, online training, courses, coaching for Neurodivergence developed by Renee Rosales
9. Neuro Diversity Hub 
10. Neurodivergent Insights 
11. The Center for Connection 
12. Neurodiversity Week 
13. Exceptional Individuals – Neurodiversity
14. Autism Level Up 
15. Sensory Health 

1. Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You
2. Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
3. Altogether Us: Integrating the IFS Model with Key Modalities, Communities, and Trends
4. Dyslexia and Me: How to Survive and Thrive If You’re Neurodivergent
5. Neuroqueer: The Writings of Nick Walker
6. Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women
7. Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking
8. We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation
9. Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports from My Life with Autism
10. Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism
11. How the Mind Changed: A Human History of Our Evolving Brain
12. May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future
13. Normal Sucks: How to Live, Learn, and Thrive Outside the Lines sucks : how to live, learn, and thrive outside the lines
14. Stumbling Through Space and Time: Living Life with Dyspraxia
15. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s
16. A Thousand Ways to Pay Attention: A Memoir of Coming Home to My Neurodivergent Mind
17. We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation
18. Is This Autism?
19. Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
20. Order from Chaos: The Everyday Grind of Staying Organized with Adult ADHD
21. ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction–from Childhood through Adulthood
22. Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You!
23. Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder
24. Differently Wired
25. Different Not Less
26. Connections of Compliance: Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline
27. Wonderfully Wired Brains

1. Fabulously Candice – “Fabulously Candice” is the sexiest podcast about Neurodivergence! Candice is an Autistic, ADHD woman, licensed clinician, and relationship/intimacy expert with a passion for discussing love, sex, intimacy and more among neurodivergent adults. Get ready to feel fabulous as you listen to the Fabulously Candice podcast.
2. Sex 101 Podcast – Navigating Intimacy & Sex with Neurodivergence – Are you neurodivergent and struggling to navigate sexuality and intimacy? Or perhaps you have a neurodivergent child or friend and want some additional support? Or maybe you simply are interested in autism? Today’s episode is literally for everyone….the gems shared today will help ALL couples better navigate sex and sexuality! Join Dr. Stormy and Autism and Intimacy Expert Candice Christiansen and her husband Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Chris Kishiyama as we talk about neurodivergence, sex and intimacy! During their 10 years together, they have had a lot of wild adventures, including Candice being diagnosed as autistic nearly 4 years ago as an adult woman. Candice’s diagnosis was a game-changer in their relationship, particularly as it relates to how they communicate and their sexual intimacy. 
3. Sex Help with Carol the Coach Podcast with Guest Dr. Candice Christiansen, founder and clinical director for the Namaste Center for Healing. – Carol the Coach will be interviewing expert Candice Christiansen who will help us understand how people on the Autism Spectrum may suffer with intimacy disorders and self-stimulation issues leading to problematic sexual behavior.  
4. Sex, Love, Addiction Podcast with Dr. Robert Weiss and Guest Dr. Candice Christiansen, founder and clinical director for the Namaste Center for Healing. – She and Rob discuss some of the co-occurring diagnoses that sometimes underlie addiction, and the fact that it’s not unusual for people with sexual problems to also have an emotional and mental disorder. They give a few examples of these conditions, define some characteristics of people on the spectrum, and talk about the importance of getting a professional evaluation to make sure one is getting the proper treatment. 
5. The Neurodiversity Podcast – The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Our goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people. 
6. Beyond Six Seconds Podcast – First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That’s where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity. https://www.beyond6seconds.com/
7. Differently Brained Podcast – Differently Brained is an own voices podcast where each fortnight we interview a guest to have open and honest conversations about their experiences We champion neurodivergent and mental health awareness and acceptance by encouraging people tell their own stories to champion the different ways we all exist in the world. We’re here to break down those stigmas and misconceptions around neurodivergence and mental health, and normalise these conversations in our community. 
8. Neurodivergent Moments Podcast – Ever walk into a room and immediately forget why you’re there? Or get confused when someone is surprised you’ve taken what they said literally? Comedians, Abigoliah Schamaun and Joe Wells do, and so do their guests, and these Neurodivergent Moments shine a light into the world of our diverse minds. Each episode, ADHD Abigoliah and Autistic Joe, speak to a guest with a neurodivergence about their divergence, life, career and how they navigate the neurotypical society we live in. Lighthearted, sincere and insightful, Neurodivegent Moments is a journey into the diverse world of our differently wired brains and the people who own them. ADHD, Autism, OCD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Borderline Personality Disorder and more are all topics of conversation. 

1. Newton Neuropsychology Group – Neuropsychological Testing Practice (ADHD Testing) 
Phone: 617-564-1540
Website: https://www.newtonneuro.com/
State: Massachusetts
Jason Allen – Neuropsychologist – Newton Neuropsychology Group – Neuropsychological Testing Practice 

2. Dr. Hallowell – The Hallowell ADHD Centers (ADHD Testing) 
Website: https://drhallowell.com/
State: Massachusetts