Specialized Mental Health Services for Neurodivergent Individuals

Neurodivergence Therapy | Expert Support for Autism Spectrum Disorder & ADHD

At Full Vida Therapy, our group practice understands that neurodivergence represents natural variations in how the human brain functions. We provide specialized therapy for children, teens, and adults throughout Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Irvine, and across California who experience autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other ways the brain works differently.

Our therapists recognize that neurodivergent people aren't broken and don't need to be "fixed." Instead, we create a therapeutic environment where your neurological differences are understood, validated, and supported.

Understanding Neurodivergence: Beyond Labels to Better Mental Health

Neurodivergence encompasses various ways the brain develops and processes information differently from what society considers "typical." The neurodiversity movement recognizes these brain differences as valuable aspects of human diversity rather than deficits or mental illness.

Common Types of Neurodivergence We Support:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder - Supporting sensory needs, social communication preferences, and authentic expression for autistic people

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Working with executive functioning challenges and harnessing unique strengths

  • Sensory Processing Disorders - Developing strategies for managing sensory overwhelm

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Addressing obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors with evidence-based approaches

  • Learning Disabilities - Supporting different ways of processing information, including dyslexia and dyscalculia

  • Multiple Neurodivergent Identities - Understanding the complex interplay when people who are neurodivergent experience several neurological conditions

Research from institutions like Harvard Medical School has highlighted that neurodivergent traits exist on a spectrum, with each neurodivergent person experiencing their brain differences uniquely. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are exploring self-diagnosis, or simply recognize aspects of neurodivergence in yourself, our practice provides a welcoming space for exploration and support.

Mental Health Challenges Unique to Neurodivergent Individuals

Living as a neurodivergent person in a world designed for neurotypical brains can significantly impact mental health outcomes. Our therapists understand these unique challenges:

  • Masking and Burnout - The exhaustion from hiding neurodivergent traits to appear "normal" in social situations

  • Sensory Processing Differences - Many autistic people and others with sensory sensitivities feel overwhelmed by environmental stimuli

  • Social Communication Challenges - Navigating social expectations with different body language and communication styles

  • Executive Functioning Difficulties - Struggling with organization, time management, and completion of multi-step tasks

  • Identity and Self-Acceptance - Overcoming internalized ableism and finding belonging in the neurodivergent community

  • Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions - Addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma that often accompany neurodivergence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressing these mental health conditions early can significantly improve long-term outcomes for neurodivergent people across their lifespan.


Our Neurodivergent-Affirming Approach to Therapy

At Full Vida Therapy, we've developed a therapeutic approach that honors how the brain works differently for neurodivergent individuals. Our therapists integrate multiple evidence-based modalities while adapting them to work with—not against—neurodivergent traits.

Core Elements of Our Approach:

  • Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care - Recognizing that many neurodivergent individuals have experienced trauma related to their neurotype

  • Sensory-Respectful Spaces - Creating environments that accommodate sensory needs, including options like noise-canceling headphones when needed

  • Strengths-Based Perspective - Focusing on your unique abilities rather than trying to "fix" differences

  • Identity Affirmation - Supporting you in embracing your neurodivergent identity and finding community

  • Practical Skills Development - Building strategies that work with your brain's natural functioning

  • Clear Communication - Adapting our communication style to match your preferences and needs

Therapeutic Modalities We Offer:

Our group practice integrates several therapeutic approaches that we tailor specifically for neurodivergent clients:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Modified to respect neurodivergent thinking styles

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Helping build regulation skills while honoring neurodivergent emotional experiences

  • EMDR Therapy - Processing traumatic experiences related to living in a world that doesn't understand how your brain works differently

  • Somatic Therapy - Connecting with bodily sensations and developing embodied awareness

  • IFS-Informed Therapy - Working with different parts of self to promote internal harmony

  • Play Therapy - Particularly effective for neurodivergent children who express themselves differently

This integrative approach allows us to create a therapeutic experience that respects your unique neurology while effectively addressing mental health challenges.

Specialized Neurodivergence Support Across the Lifespan

For Neurodivergent Children & Teens

Neurodivergent students face unique challenges in educational and social environments. Our child and adolescent specialists provide:

  • Educational Advocacy - Helping families secure appropriate accommodations and assistive technologies

  • Social Navigation - Teaching social skills while honoring different communication styles

  • Family Support - Educating parents and siblings about neurodivergence and creating supportive home environments

  • Executive Functioning Strategies - Developing organizational systems that work with how the brain functions

  • Emotional Regulation - Building skills to manage big emotions in ways that honor neurodivergent expression

We create a space where young people can express themselves authentically without judgment for their repetitive behaviors or other aspects of their neurodivergence.

For Neurodivergent Adults

Many autistic adults and other neurodivergent individuals discover their neurotype later in life. Our therapists provide:

  • Late-Diagnosis Integration - Processing what understanding your neurological differences means for your identity

  • Workplace Strategies - Helping neurodivergent employees navigate professional environments and leverage their divergent mind as a potential competitive advantage

  • Relationship Support - Addressing communication differences in partnerships and friendships

  • Burnout Recovery - Healing from the exhaustion of long-term masking, which can lead to serious mental health conditions

  • Self-Advocacy Development - Learning to express your individual preferences and boundaries effectively

We understand that neurodivergent adults often have complex relationships with both self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis and provide space to explore what neurodivergence means for your mental health outcomes.

The Spectrum of Neurodivergence: Beyond Two Categories

The umbrella term of neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of brain differences that lead people to experience the world differently. The human brain develops along multiple spectrums, not simply divided into "neurotypical" and "neurodivergent" as two categories.

From the perspective of the neurodiversity movement, these differences should be recognized and accommodated rather than viewed as developmental disorders to be "fixed." While some medical conditions associated with neurodivergence may require specific interventions, our core principles recognize that different brain functions offer both challenges and strengths.

Building Resilience for Better Mental Health Outcomes

Our therapists help neurodivergent people develop practical strategies for navigating a predominantly neurotypical world while maintaining authenticity:

  • Self-Knowledge - Understanding how your brain works differently, including triggers and strengths

  • Accommodation Planning - Identifying adjustments that help you thrive in various environments

  • Communication Strategies - Learning to articulate your needs with a clear communication style

  • Community Connection - Finding relationships within the autistic community or broader neurodivergent community

  • Energy Management - Creating sustainable routines that respect how your brain functions

  • Disclosure Decision-Making - Considering when, how, and with whom to share your neurodivergent identity

Our Services for Neurodivergent Clients

Full Vida Therapy's group practice offers comprehensive support for neurodivergent individuals and their families:

  • Individual Therapy - Personalized support for adults navigating neurodivergence

  • Teen Therapy - Specialized care for adolescents developing their neurodivergent identity

  • Child Therapy - Play-based approaches for younger clients

  • Family Therapy - Supporting the entire family system in understanding neurodivergence

  • Couples Therapy - Addressing relationship dynamics when one or both partners are neurodivergent

  • Parenting Support - Guidance for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodivergent traits

  • Group Therapy - Connection with others in the neurodivergent community (when available)

A Safe Space Where Neurodivergent Traits Are Welcomed

In our therapeutic environment:

  • Stimming and Repetitive Behaviors are Welcome - Natural movement patterns are accepted

  • Communication Preferences are Honored - Direct communication, processing time, or alternative expression

  • Sensory Needs are Respected - Accommodations for lighting, sound, and other sensory factors

  • Special Interests are Celebrated - We recognize the joy and regulation that comes from engaging with special interests

  • Different Processing Styles are Accommodated - We adapt to how you process information

Begin Your Neurodivergence Therapy Journey in California

At Full Vida Therapy, our group practice is committed to providing therapy that honors how your brain functions. We offer both in-person sessions in our Yorba Linda office, convenient to Anaheim and Irvine, as well as virtual therapy throughout California.

Ready to begin your journey with therapists who understand and affirm your neurodivergent experience? Contact our intake team to learn more about our services, therapeutic approach, and availability. We look forward to creating a therapeutic space where you can thrive as your authentic self.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Neurodivergence Therapy

  • No. At Full Vida Therapy, we recognize that many people who are neurodivergent face barriers to formal diagnosis. We honor self-identification and will work with you based on your lived experience.

  • Traditional approaches often unintentionally reinforce neurotypical norms. Neurodivergence therapy recognizes neurological differences as natural variations in how the brain functions and adapts therapeutic approaches accordingly.

  • Yes. Many neurodivergent individuals also experience anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and other mental health challenges. Our therapists address these conditions while honoring how they may present differently in neurodivergent individuals.

  • We offer flexibility in communication methods, including written communication, visual supports, longer processing times, and alternative expressions. We'll find the approach that works best with how your brain works differently.

  • For autistic people, we recognize the importance of sensory-friendly environments, respect for different social communication styles, and affirmation of autistic identity. We understand autism spectrum disorder not as a deficit but as a different way the brain functions.

  • While we don't directly negotiate accommodations with employers or schools, we can help neurodivergent individuals identify appropriate accommodations and develop self-advocacy skills to request the adjustments needed.

Contact our group practice today to take the first step toward therapy that honors your neurodivergent brain. Let's work together to create a life where you don't just survive as a person who is neurodivergent—you thrive with improved mental health outcomes and a deeper appreciation for how your brain works differently.