Getting an autism or ADHD assessment can be a deeply emotional and even life-changing experience. I can lead to insight, clarity, validation, and access to accommodations. But in many cases, the assessments can also be based on outdated, deficit-based models of these conditions. The assessment process can feel confusing, inadequate, invalidating, and even traumatizing. Neurodiversity-affirming assessments change that.

Introduction: Autistic and ADHD students are frequently misunderstood and consequently mismanaged and mistreated in schools. Their unique...

Decisions about therapy vs support, and “what, when, and what for” of therapy need to be weighed with many considerations.