Neurodivergent Affirmative Assessments

Follow this link for details on AuDHD

We allow upto 3 hours for the undiagnosed ADHD assessment , however typically the 

average duration is about 2.5 hours.

This aspect is a relaxed and yet structured approach which allows clients the 

freedom to engage in a conversation style assessment.  

We encourage our clients to gently let go of any masking or camouflaging that may 

have been present in social settings, and be their true Neurodivergent beautiful self.

https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/
This website explains masking and camouflaging and has a questionnaire 

which gives you results instantly.

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). It is a self-report tool designed to assess social camouflaging behaviours in individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) or traits consistent with autism. 

The CAT-Q measures the extent to which individuals-consciously or unconsciously mask, 

compensate for, or adjust their autistic traits in social situations.

Camouflaging can help individuals appear more socially typical, but it is often associated with-increased mental fatigue, stress, and delayed diagnosis, especially in autistic women and gender-diverse people.

> However, it is important to recognise that high CAT-Q scores may not-exclusively indicate autism-related camouflaging, as they can also reflect coping strategies related to social anxiety, other mental health conditions, or broader neurodivergence, such as ADHD.

Our team are very aware that individuals with neurodiverse presentations may 

benefit from movement and a comfort break from the assessment for a brief period.

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and celebrates the natural variations in 

human brain functioning and cognitive styles.

 It suggests that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD,

dyslexia, and other conditions, are simply variations of the 

human brain rather than disorders.

The term "neurodiversity" emphasizes that these differences are not inherently 

good or bad, but rather a natural and valuable part of the human experience.
It promotes the idea that neurodivergent individuals have unique strengths, 

perspectives, and contributions to offer to society. 

Neurodiversity challenges the traditional medical model that views neurological differences 

as disorders that need to be fixed or cured.

Instead, it encourages acceptance, understanding, and

support for neurodivergent individuals to thrive in theiown way.

It's important to note that neurodiversity is not about romanticizing or ignoring the

challenges that some neurodivergent individuals may face.

It simply seeks to shift the focus from trying to normalize

or change neurodivergent individuals to embracing and accommodating individual 

differences.

By embracing neurodiversity, it is hoped that we can work towards creating a more inclusive and

accepting society that values and respects the unique strengths and perspectives of all individuals,

regardless of their neurological makeup.

At RMC we have a deep understanding that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental disorders, but they can sometimes present with overlapping symptoms. This overlap can make diagnosis challenging, especially since both conditions can co-occur in the same individual.

While there are similarities, there are also very distinct differences. At RMC we have clinical experience of understanding how stimulant medication may potentially trigger a different and unique set of mild side effects within Clients who present with AuDHD.

This approach emphasises the strengths and unique abilities of neurodivergent people and

 advocates for their inclusion, acceptance, and support within society.   

At RMC we embrace : 

Diversity & inclusion: Recognising that there are no "normal" brains and that neurodivergence 

contributes to diversity, which is beneficial for society. 

Adjusting expectations: Accepting diversity in communication and not expecting

neurodivergent people to conform to neurotypical standards.

Medical model: Rejecting the medical model that views neurodivergence as inherent 

defects and instead recognising the strengths and abilities of neurodivergent people. 

At RMC we embrace the idea that medication for ADHD offers many benefits when working and studying in a predominately neurotypical world.

Our neurodiversity-affirming approach is grounded in the social model of disability. The social model of disability is now the internationally recognised way to view and address ‘disability’. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) marks the official paradigm shift in attitudes towards people with disability and approaches to disability concerns.

We celebrate and embrace neurodivergence, focusing on creating supportive, inclusive spaces

that respect each person’s identity. 

At Rainbow-Mandala Clinic  we use identity-first language: “I am Autistic” rather

 than “I have Autism”. This reflects the preference of the majority of our Autistic community

and shows that we understand Autism as a neuro-developmental difference, not a

disease.

We also uphold the absolute right of everyone to self-identify in any way they

may choose.
We do not use traditional, pathologised language, which aims to distance Autism from a

disorder 

 Autism is not a ‘deficit’ or a ‘disorder’; it is a difference. We reject functioning labels: these labels

are degrading, dehumanising and reductive, and there is no such thing as a

‘high functioning’ or a ‘low functioning’ Autistic.

We do not use the outdated and problematic term ‘Asperger’s syndrome’, or ‘Aspergers’.