Neurodiversity
ADHD, autism, and AuDHD are not deficits to be corrected. They are whole ways of perceiving and being in the world, and therapy that understands this changes everything.
Schedule a free consultation →Neurodiversity is at the heart of this practice, both in therapy and in assessment. Working with adults navigating ADHD, autism, or AuDHD, especially those who have spent years suspecting something was different about them without a name for it, is work Dr. Claney finds deeply meaningful. Many of these clients arrive having been told for years that they were “too much,” “not trying hard enough,” or “just anxious.” The relief of finally being understood is often the first real thing that happens in therapy.
A significant portion of clients who come here are high-masking: intelligent, capable people who have worked hard to appear neurotypical and largely succeeded by external measures, while quietly exhausted inside. High masking often means going undiagnosed for decades, developing sophisticated compensatory strategies that work until they don’t, and carrying a deep sense of being somehow fraudulent or broken without understanding why. This practice offers a space where the mask is not required and where the real texture of your experience can be explored without judgment.
The intersection of neurodivergence with mood, identity, and relational patterns is a particular area of focus. ADHD is not only about attention and executive function, it is also about emotional dysregulation, shame, rejection sensitivity, and the relational wounds that accumulate when you have always processed the world differently. Autism is not only about social difficulty, it is about a profound way of experiencing sensory input, connection, meaning, and overwhelm. Therapy here works with the whole person, not a checklist.
Both therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment are available. Assessment can be a powerful standalone tool for adults seeking diagnostic clarity, documentation for accommodations, or simply a framework for understanding themselves. Therapy can begin before, during, or after an assessment, and the two work well together.
Learn about psychological assessment →What people ask about this work
Do I need a formal assessment before starting therapy?
No. Therapy can begin without a formal diagnosis. Many clients come to therapy with a self-identified sense that ADHD or autism is part of their picture, and that is enough to start. A formal assessment becomes valuable when you need diagnostic documentation for accommodations at work or school, want more clarity about what is and is not part of the picture, or are curious about a comprehensive report of your strengths and challenges. Dr. Claney offers both therapy and assessment and is happy to discuss which makes sense to start with.
What does "high masking" mean?
High masking refers to the tendency of some neurodivergent people, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or both, to consciously or unconsciously camouflage their traits in order to appear neurotypical. This might look like rehearsing conversations, mirroring others’ body language, suppressing stimming, or pushing through overwhelm without showing it. High masking is exhausting, often goes unrecognized, and frequently leads to late or missed diagnoses, particularly in women, girls, and people assigned female at birth.
Can ADHD and autism both be present at the same time?
Yes. AuDHD, the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, is increasingly recognized as a distinct clinical presentation. The two conditions share some traits (like difficulty with transitions and emotional intensity) but also pull in different directions in ways that create particular challenges. Research suggests significant overlap: many autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD, and vice versa. Dr. Claney has specific training and experience with AuDHD presentations.
How is therapy different for neurodivergent clients?
Good neurodivergent-affirming therapy means the therapist understands the neurological differences involved, not just the symptom list. That means not pathologizing traits that are simply differences, understanding that communication styles, emotional expression, and sensory needs vary, and adapting the therapeutic approach accordingly. It also means being direct, concrete, and honest, many neurodivergent clients find the indirect, open-ended style of traditional therapy confusing or frustrating. Therapy here tries to be genuinely flexible.
What ages do you see for ADHD and autism work?
Both therapy and assessment are available for clients 16 and older. Dr. Claney has particular experience with late-identified adults, people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond who are reaching clarity about their neurodivergence for the first time.
If this resonated, let’s talk.
A free 15-minute consultation is the first step. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what you’re carrying, and see whether this practice feels like the right fit.
Schedule a free consultation →