Supporting neurodivergent people
Due to increases in awareness and understanding because of the NDIS and social media, there is increased awareness on neurodivergence such as autism and attentional issues. More and more we get enquires from parents looking for early diagnosis so they can begin support (if support is needed, that is).
Riverina Counselling provides neuro-affirmative therapy to those who are neurodivergent. This has been a barrier identified early on in places such as Young, Cowra and Forbes due to both lack of local services and professionals in these regions. Even in larger cities nearby, such as the ACT, Orange and Wagga Wagga, there can often be long wait times for support.
When working with neurodivergence, we try to do a few things differently. We work out a person needs and where they are at to determine the type of therapy that might be useful. For younger children this could be play therapy to develop play and social support in an interactive format. With adolescents we may use blends of art therapies, talk therapies and other modalities to help a person better express and understand themselves.
One advantage our clients tell is ‘we get it’. Matthew has diverse interests in areas such as fishing, anime, gaming, gardening and more that better support connecting with others. This often acts as a starting point to get to know one another to work out if we are a fit for therapy together. From here we take time to get to know one another and arrive at an area where support may be needed with a focus on a few specific things.
Riverina Counselling also aims to work with the parent to support them as well. This uses a process called ‘reflective parenting’ where we take time to understand the day-to-day barriers parents are concerned about, understanding themselves and their states more and the aim to connect the parent and child more closely. Often, these therapies take time and need multidisciplinary support such as speech and occupational therapy.
It is important when looking for NDIS support in this area that the line items are considered, as if social work or counselling isn’t on the plan, we quickly run into issues! Before we commence, we also recommend a brief and free phone chat for about 15 minutes. This is to ensure our approach and personalities are a match, as well as the chance to ask any questions.