Autistic-Thoughts
Specialist Services for Neurodivergent people, by Neurodivergent people.
About Us
Autistic-Thoughts is an autistic-run business that provides specialist services for Neurodivergent individuals and their families.
We’re committed to providing much-needed alternatives to typical types of support. Our services are designed specifically for clients who are autistic, have ADHD, or have other neurodivergences.
Our team of autism and ADHD specialists and psychologists each have their own personal experiences of the highs and lows of living in a neurotypically-built world as we are all autistic and ADHD ourselves. Which makes our commitment to supporting Neurodivergent people as personal as it is professional. We strive to ensure that all our clients receive a service that is tailored to their situation and needs.
Our goals are…
1
Our main goal will always be sure that Neurodivergent people have a space to truly get to know their most authentic selves. Our professionals will be with you to help you understand your autistic and ADHD characteristics, learn what works for you and what doesn’t, and give you the tools you need to succeed and live a life that is not plagued by constant overwhelm and exhausting feelings caused by the neurotypical world we live in.
Why is specialist support so important for autistic and other neurodivergent people?
Every single person on earth has their own unique way of seeing the world. But people who are Neurodivergent have a different brain structure from neurotypical people, whom professionals will usually be most accustomed to providing support for.
As autistic people, we tend to have strengths, needs, and experiences that differ from what is considered ‘typical’. This includes how we process emotions and sensations, how we like to socialise, and the type of environment we thrive in.
Whilst general understanding about Autism and Neurodiversity is slowly improving, unfortunately, a great deal of resources and information that talk about Autism still focus on deficit – the idea that we are somehow lacking, or not enough. The fact that Autism is still officially considered and diagnosed as a ‘disorder’ is testament to this, when it is clearly everything but that. This is why our company openly strives to provide autistic people with the support they truly deserve during our diagnostic process. Providing support and understanding during this process, in our opinion, should be a right, not an option.
Our differences are just that, differences. Some things that are easy for them won’t necessarily be for us, but some things that are hard for them won’t necessarily be for us. And that’s just fine! It’s about identifying tools, resources and adjustments that make those harder tasks simpler for us.
Neurodivergent people have talents, skills, and valuable contributions to make to the world. But sometimes we can feel misunderstood or stuck when our support needs aren’t met, just because they are different from those who are neurotypical.
With the right approaches and support systems we are all capable of building a happy, thriving life. Click here to read more about the types of services we offer and how we can give you or your family exactly the right type of support.
2
We want to dispel misconceptions in the wider world which are harmful to autistic and Neurodivergent people. We are dedicated to “challenging the idea that Autism is a challenge”. We are confident that everybody can feel capable and trust their skills and capabilities if they have the right systems and support in place.
Why is specialist support so important for autistic and other neurodiverse people?
As autistic people, we tend to have strengths, needs, and experiences that differ from what is considered ‘typical’. This includes how we process emotions and sensations, how we like to socialise, and the type of environment we thrive in.
Whilst general understanding about Autism and Neurodiversity is slowly improving, unfortunately, a great deal of resources and information that talk about Autism still focus on deficit – the idea that we are somehow lacking, or not enough. The fact that Autism is still officially considered and diagnosed as a ‘disorder’ is testament to this, when it is clearly everything but that. This is why our company openly strives to provide autistic people with the support they truly deserve during our diagnostic process. Providing support and understanding during this process, in our opinion, should be a right, not an option.
Our differences are just that, differences. Some things that are easy for them won’t necessarily be for us, but some things that are hard for them won’t necessarily be for us. And that’s just fine! It’s about identifying tools, resources and adjustments that make those harder tasks simpler for us.
Neurodivergent people have talents, skills, and valuable contributions to make to the world. But sometimes we can feel misunderstood or stuck when our support needs aren’t met, just because they are different from those who are neurotypical.
With the right approaches and support systems we are all capable of building a happy, thriving life. Click here to read more about the types of services we offer and how we can give you or your family exactly the right type of support.
I’m an autistic/ADHD young person or adult
How can you help me?
Are you feeling as if you’d like to change or improve certain aspects of your life but you’re not really sure where to begin? We’re here to help.
As Neurodivergent people, we experience different types of difficulties at home, work and school than our neurotypical peers. A lot of the time, it can feel like we need to work harder than others to just get by due to how our neurotypical societies are built.
More Information
Your emotions and needs are important! We provide a safe, accepting environment where you can talk about your life and, in a counselling setting, heal from and gain a new perspective on traumatic events in the past. We’ll explore different approaches you can try to make sure you get what you need from your life, whether it be regarding relationships, work, or/and your home life.
Next Steps
Just remember that embracing this identity is an ongoing endeavour that continues to evolve as we learn more about ourselves. As we progress on this journey of self-discovery, we will uncover new ways to advocate for ourselves and our communities, further enhancing our relationship with our Autistic identity!
Click here to see the specific types of support that we can offer you.
I’m an autistic/ADHD young person or adult
How can you help me?
Are you feeling as if you’d like to change or improve certain aspects of your life but you’re not really sure where to begin? We’re here to help.
As Neurodivergent people, we experience different types of difficulties at home, work and school than our neurotypical peers. A lot of the time, it can feel like we need to work harder than others to just get by due to how our neurotypical societies are built.
More Information
Your emotions and needs are important! We provide a safe, accepting environment where you can talk about your life and, in a counselling setting, heal from and gain a new perspective on traumatic events in the past. We’ll explore different approaches you can try to make sure you get what you need from your life, whether it be regarding relationships, work, or/and your home life.
Next Steps
Now that you’re ready to explore and embrace my Autistic identity, the journey of self-discovery in the realm of Autism is an individualised and dynamic process, devoid of definitive right or wrong paths. Taking the first step will always be the hardest and to make it as easy as possible for you, you can book a free initial consultation to discuss all your option
Just remember that embracing this identity is an ongoing endeavour that continues to evolve as we learn more about ourselves. As we progress on this journey of self-discovery, we will uncover new ways to advocate for ourselves and our communities, further enhancing our relationship with our Autistic identity!
Click here to see the specific types of support that we can offer you.
I’m neurodivergent and my needs are different
How can you help me?
Have you ever felt disconnected from or let down by sessions with a psychologist or therapist?
Do you find that medical professionals or counsellors don’t really ‘get’ you, and seem to leave you feeling more confused or frustrated than you were to begin with?
This could very well be due to a lack of something called double empathy.
More Information
Double empathy is established when a neurodiverse person (in this case, your professional) is better able to relate to and comprehend another neurodiverse people due to their shared brain type. Due to this, our professionals will be much more understanding and sympathetic than other people you have met before because we have literally been in your shoes. Most therapists and counsellors, however experienced they might be, often struggle to offer the most effective strategies to really support clients who are neurodiverse, if they aren’t neurodiverse themselves as their experiences in this world are vastly different to yours.
And also because the majority of their training will have been focused on strategies and theories that are more applicable to neurotypical patients, who process their emotions and experience the world differently. If the professional is neurotypical, they can often struggle to understand the nuances of our social, emotional, and sensory needs. For Neurodivergent individuals, this can result in feelings of frustration, stress, or shame that are unfortunately too common.
At Autistic-Thoughts, all our psychologists and mentors have the right combination of specialist training and personal experience to offer you a safe, supportive space to discuss your or your child’s needs.
Our team will listen, empathise, and tailor their approach to help you reach your goals and achieve the outcomes you’re looking for. They are experts on Autism and other neurodivergencies and are dedicated to supporting you to grow and succeed.
The person you work with will be..
● Autistic and/or ADHD themselves: All of our professionals are autistic and ADHD.
● A qualified specialist: Our team all hold, or are working towards, a relevant MSc (or equivalent) degree in psychology or a related subject.
● Neurodiversity-aware: Our team is experienced and trained when it comes to working with neurodiverse individuals, and all hold an Autism Awareness and other relevant diplomas.
● DBS checked: We ensure all our professionals hold a full, up-to-date DBS for your total peace of mind.
● Passionate: We don’t just look for professional qualifications – we select professionals who are driven to bring their personal and professional expertise to watch you grow and succeed.
What will this mean for you?
● A deeper connection with yourself. Growing to know and understand what your feelings and emotions mean, and how you can work with them, rather than masking them, to meet your own needs in a healthy way.
● Learning to trust yourself and your decision-making. We’ll support you with learning to articulate what you need in a productive, confident way.
● Developing richer relationships with the people in your life. By speaking to a counsellor either individually or as a family, you’ll learn new ways to connect and communicate.
I’m a parent of an autistic/ADHD child or young person
How can you help me?
We offer family counselling in groups, or 1:1 appointments with autism parents.
Parenting a child who is autistic is a different experience to parenting a neurotypical child. This is a matter of difference, and absolutely not a problem or deficit on the part of either parent or child. But without proper autism lens/knowledge, behaviour is often misunderstood as naughtiness, etc.
More Information
However, the expectations for parenting strategies to look a certain way, or for children to have needs that are considered ‘typical’ can lead to confusion, frustration, and disconnect between parent and child. This happens because, often the strategies that are widely accepted and embedded in our society simply don’t work with neurodivergent children. We can help you understand clearly why these behaviours are taking place and create systems that make your child and whole family feel safe and seen.
We understand the range of difficulties that families can experience as an autistic child grows up. We’re able to support you with anything from early years development such as toilet training, to the social and emotional differences that neurodivergent teenagers and young adults might experience.
Click here to read about our family-focused services and see how you and your loved ones can benefit from our support options.
I’m a parent of an autistic/ADHD child or young person
How can you help me?
We offer family counselling in groups, or 1:1 appointments with autism parents.
Parenting a child who is autistic is a different experience to parenting a neurotypical child. This is a matter of difference, and absolutely not a problem or deficit on the part of either parent or child. But without proper autism lens/knowledge, behaviour is often misunderstood as naughtiness, etc.
More Information
However, the expectations for parenting strategies to look a certain way, or for children to have needs that are considered ‘typical’ can lead to confusion, frustration, and disconnect between parent and child. This happens because, often the strategies that are widely accepted and embedded in our society simply don’t work with neurodivergent children. We can help you understand clearly why these behaviours are taking place and create systems that make your child and whole family feel safe and seen.
We understand the range of difficulties that families can experience as an autistic child grows up. We’re able to support you with anything from early years development such as toilet training, to the social and emotional differences that neurodivergent teenagers and young adults might experience.
Click here to read about our family-focused services and see how you and your loved ones can benefit from our support options.
I’m a professional
How can you help me?
No matter what profession you work in, if you are supporting Neurodivergent individuals, it’s likely that you are here because you genuinely want to understand them better, show them empathy and respect, and communicate more effectively with them. For this, we wholeheartedly commend you!
Your commitment to being a part of positive change and your willingness to meet the people you work with halfway is truly praiseworthy. We firmly believe that if everyone adopted this approach, the world would become significantly more inclusive, accessible, and fulfilling for everyone.
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Your efforts are making a real difference in creating a more understanding and accommodating society for all, especially autistic people. Having a deep understanding of Autism is crucial for engaging respectfully and effectively with the Autistic individuals you work with. As professionals, it’s essential to recognise that Autistic experiences may not always be self-evident or easily noticeable unless you are Autistic yourself.
Therefore, cultivating curiosity and being receptive to learning about Autism from Autistic people will elevate your abilities as a clinician, therapist, support, or ally, making you more effective and supportive in your role.
Even our seasoned professionals continuously seek to expand their knowledge of Autism!
Embracing the diverse and multifaceted nature of Autistic experiences and gaining insights from the vast experiential knowledge of the Autistic community will undoubtedly enhance your practice and positively impact the lives of the Autistic individuals you provide support to.
We believe the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey,
so we’re very glad to have you here!
To learn more about Autism and Neurodiversity in general please visit our resources page.
Our Founders
Ana Aragon
Autistic and ADHD CEO
As a Neurodiversity Specialist Psychologist with a holistic approach, Ana brings a unique perspective to her work as she is Autistic and has ADHD herself. Ana’s mission is to guide ND individuals and families towards embracing their authentic ND selves, navigating past traumas, and developing effective strategies tailored to their unique neurodivergent traits. Ana is BPS accredited, DBS-cleared and qualified to work with individuals of all ages.
Kyle Casey
Autistic and ADHD COO
With a background in teaching and business development, Kyle’s unique perspective and approach to business are shaped by his personal experiences as someone who’s Autistic and ADHD. His Neurodivergent background has given him a valuable perspective on the importance of creating inclusive and supportive workplaces.
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