Phone: 631.332.2213
Email: Suezola@me.com
What is Neurodiversity?
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.
What does it mean to be “neurodiverse”?
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.
Candice Christiansen Founder, Clinical Director M.Ed., LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT-S, Certified EMDR Therapist, IFS Level 1 - Namasté Center for Healing
Candice Christiansen, LCMHC is an Autism Expert who provides Clinical Consultation, Training and Design Strategies to Medical and Mental Health Providers, Corporate Offices, Universities, and Organizations using a Neuro-Inclusive Approach. She is also well known for designing Neuro-Sensitive Settings that Support Autistic Adults in healing from trauma.
Neuro-Inclusive IFS and Support - Developed by Candice Christiansen and Meg Martinez-Dettamanti
What is Neuro-Inclusive IFS?
“Meg Martinez-Dettamanti, LCMHC and I, Candice Christiansen, LCMHC have developed a Neuro-Inclusive Approach to IFS. This was inspired by my and other Autistic, ADD, ADHD (and similar neurotypes) adults continued experiences with well-meaning IFS therapists who were causing unintentional harm to Neuro-different clients based on assumptions, implicit and explicit biases, and their own legacy burdens. Both Meg and I LOVE the IFS model and are dedicated to ensuring that clients seeking healing from trauma and a variety of sexual and relationship issues feel supported in the way that our brains and Autonomic Nervous Systems (ANS) need.
A Neuro-Inclusive Approach to IFS offers four goals for therapists who work with Neurodifferent individuals by inviting therapists to: 1) Use curiosity with Neurodifferent clients around their sensory, learning, and internal system needs; 2) Access Self energy to navigate a client’s need for safety if microaggressions occur; 3) Explore therapist’s individual, legacy, and cultural burdens related to implicit bias, judgment, and stereotypes against Neurodifferent individuals; 4) Creatively implement IFS mapping exercises with Neurodifferent clients to flesh out Neurodifferent traits vs. client parts.”
NEURO-INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO IFS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BOOK ALTOGETHER US, HERE.
“In 2023, Candice Christiansen co-authored a chapter introducing her Neuro-Inclusive Approach to IFS in the Amazon best seller Altogether Us!
The importance of the “setting” is often discussed as an integral part in entheogenic (e.g., psychedelic assisted) therapy. However, for Autistic adults, it is rare that therapists and medical providers take into consideration their office settings to ensure that from the outset, their client feels safe, comfortable, and sensory soothed. Many Autistic adults have had negative experiences with providers as a result of implicit biases, assumptions about what Autism looks like, and microaggressions. In their chapter, Candice and her colleague Meg Martinez-Dettamanti, LCMHC discuss the importance of creating safety via tending to Autistic and Neurodifferent adults neuro-sensory needs at the beginning of therapy and throughout each session. This helps build a trusting relationship with the therapist or medical provider and allows clients to connect to the deeper IFS work.”
Link to Candice Chrsitiansen’s Podcast: https://autismandintimacypodcast.com/
Who is Candice?
"I am Candice Christiansen (she/her, they/them pronouns) and I am the Founder of Namasté Center For Healing. I am Autistic, ADHD, have social and general anxiety, and dyspraxia. I am German, English, Scottish, Dutch and Lakota (by bond). was diagnosed as being socially anxious/general anxiety in my teens, misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder, dependent personality disorder for decades by mental health and medical professionals who were not properly trained to look for Autism and ADHD in females. One therapist told me I wasn’t Autistic and she knew that because years ago she evaluated Autistic boys…(Huh?!)
I was finally accurately diagnosed as Autistic nearly 5 years ago. As of 2022, I am self diagnosed ADHD. I do not believe my genetic brain differences are caused by trauma-this, in my opinion is a reductionist approach that doesn’t take into consideration the wealth of research that describes the complex and heterogeneous array of developmental, genomic, neurobiological, and cognitive differences of neurodifferences. However, I do believe that trauma is a significant part of many Neurodifferent individuals’ lived experiences among a neuromajoriy that is not neuro-inclusive or neuro-sensitive.
Coming out as Neurodifferent and exploring how they show up in my life has been a fascinating experience, but also a life safer, at times frustrating when the neuro-majority judges or shames me for being me. However, overall I continue to learn about myself and am connecting with other neurodifferent individuals globally who have been a huge support to me on my journey. I aim here to inspire you, advocate for you and support you in your neurodifferent journey as well! We all deserve to be seen, so #ISEEYOU, #IVALIDATEYOU, #IACCEPTYOU.
I am here to support you in understanding your Neurodifferent brain.
All parts (“software”) of you are welcome here and your “hardware”-brain differences-are welcome here too!"
NEURODIVERGENCE IS MISUNDERSTOOD… MY STORY
"Neurodivergence or as I call it, Neurodifference is a misunderstood term, especially when it comes to Autistic adults. Why? Because we learn to MASK our symptoms-this means we learn to hide who we are authentically thinking we will fit in better if we do. It is exhausting, trust me!
As an Autistic woman, I am very well-spoken (a mask I have worn)-trust me, I had great teachers! As a result, I was misdiagnosed for over 2 decades by well-intentioned therapists who had a belief that one symptom could determine Autism. Because I learned to hide (mask) my autistic traits as a youth, I learned to give eye contact and pretend like I was more “social” even though both make me want to rip my hair out due to the emotional and physical discomfort I experience. Loved ones didn’t see my struggle with hygiene-everyone just assumed I knew how to brush my teeth, etc. as a kid-no need to teach me (?!), and my “rigidity” when there is change-that is autonomic nervous system dysregulation from environmental stress- or my anxious “melt downs”-which are due to external stressors in the environment, not because “I am Autistic.” I have been labeled, judged, pushed into boxes of diagnoses, and dismissed, ignored, and rejected because I am Autistic. Sure I struggle to understand sarcasm and jokes but I didn’t deserve to be the recipient of bullying or all the teasing from my family for being “too sensitive.” My somatic and affective empathy towards others is a gift and quite common among Autistic/ADHD humans-although non-neurodifferent humans won’t admit that because they typically recognize empathy as only being cognitive or responsive empathy.
I loved to play as a child with my siblings. I loved playing pretend and make believe. At times I was admittedly aggressive with them and took things personally (now I know my sensitivity to rejection is a real thing-RSD-Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria). I was always super sensitive to the energy in the environment, peoples feelings and was always afraid of being rejected or judged. I loved stacking my barbies and stuffed animals in a row as a child. This was how I played. I was viewed as having my silly “obsession” with girl toys-which when I looked back I think “who cared?” But that is now viewed by society as “abnormal” via play-(but really, is there a way to play that IS “normal”?)
I do well if I have one or two friends and if I have freedom to choose my relationships; but society judges this as me struggling to form or maintain friendships. Instead of being noticed for having a brilliant autistic mind that helped me create my successful programs, websites, curriculum, workbook, etc., I have been juddged by colleagues as being “handed things on a silver platter” or being “too pretty” —whatever any of this means. No one knew for years the inner pain and confusion I experienced at feeling like a major misfit; socially uncomfortable in my own existence for being me. Sadly, the average person or professional who cannot identify the unique forms of autistic expression misunderstands so many of us who have become excellent at masking our autistic traits. Along with this, many people assume that if a person is autistic, we must be asexual and lack empathy. "
CANDICE CHRISTIANSEN Contact Information:
4064 South Highland Drive Millcreek UT 84124
P: 801-272-3500 F: 801-272-3355
Clinical Office Hours
M-F 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. MDT
Note: Telehealth Groups may be later in the evening (e.g., 7:30 p.m. MDT)
Front Office Hours:
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. MDT, M-F
Website Links: