The term neurodivergent has become more widely used in recent years—but it’s often misunderstood. Some people associate it only with clinical diagnoses. Others hear it and assume it means something is “wrong.” At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we believe clarity leads to compassion—and we’re here to help families better understand what neurodivergence really means.
What Does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
Neurodivergence refers to the natural variation in how human brains are wired. It describes people whose cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, and sensory processing differ from what is typically expected in society.
Coined in the 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, the term was originally used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum. Since then, it has grown to include a wider range of neurological differences—including those that are clinically diagnosed as disorders.
Some common examples of neurodivergence include:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dyslexia
Sensory Processing Disorder
Tourette Syndrome
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
You may notice that several of these are labeled “disorders.” That brings up an important point—and a common misunderstanding.
Isn’t It a Disorder?
Yes—and no.
Some types of neurodivergence are categorized as medical or psychological disorders in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. These diagnoses are important because they help individuals access support, accommodations, and treatment when needed. However, from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, we approach these diagnoses not as signs of brokenness, but as valid expressions of human diversity.
Saying “it’s not a disorder—it’s a difference” isn’t meant to deny the challenges that can come with being neurodivergent. It’s a way of shifting the lens: instead of assuming the brain is faulty or deficient, we acknowledge that it simply functions differently.
In other words:
🧠 Clinical language helps describe and support.
🧠 Affirming language helps humanize and empower.
Both are important.
Common Traits of Neurodivergent Individuals
Every person is unique—but some patterns show up frequently across different types of neurodivergence. These may include:
Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
Sensory sensitivities (to noise, clothing textures, lights, smells)
Emotional dysregulation (meltdowns, shutdowns, or intense emotional responses)
Difficulty with organization, focus, time management, or executive functioning
Intense interest in specific topics or activities
Fatigue after social situations or overstimulation
Nonverbal or delayed communication in younger children
Some of these behaviors may look like “misbehavior” at school or at home, when in reality, they are signs of overload, frustration, or unmet needs.
What About the School Year “Crash”?
If you're raising or working with a neurodivergent child, you may notice that the school year often starts off strong—but by fall or early winter, things begin to unravel. This is sometimes referred to as the mid-year crash.
Why does this happen?
The novelty of a new routine wears off
Demands increase—academically, socially, and emotionally
Sensory and executive functioning challenges compound over time
Emotional regulation becomes harder without consistent support
For neurodivergent children, sustained effort to “keep up” in environments not designed for their needs can lead to fatigue, overwhelm, and burnout. Recognizing this pattern early allows families and educators to intervene with empathy—not frustration.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy doesn’t aim to “fix” neurodivergence. Instead, it creates space to understand, regulate, and build tools that match how a person’s brain works best. For children, teens, and families, this might look like:
Learning emotional regulation strategies
Creating school and home routines that reduce overwhelm
Building executive functioning skills (time management, organization, prioritization)
Developing sensory coping strategies
Supporting social connections and communication
Coaching parents on how to advocate for their child’s needs
In many cases, therapy is also a place for identity development—especially for older kids or teens who are trying to make sense of who they are in a world that may not always understand them.
A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we work from a place of respect, validation, and curiosity. A neurodiversity-affirming approach means we believe:
Different doesn’t mean disordered
Labels can be helpful, but they never tell the whole story
Every brain brings unique strengths and challenges
Support should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all
Children thrive when their environments meet them where they are
Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, exploring whether your child might be neurodivergent, or simply looking for more tools and understanding, we’re here to help.
You're Not Alone
Raising, teaching, or loving a neurodivergent child can be both rewarding and exhausting. When parents and caregivers feel equipped and supported, the whole family benefits.
We encourage families to reach out before things reach a breaking point—especially during transitions like the start of the school year, holidays, or post-break adjustments.
At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we are here to walk alongside you. If your child is struggling in school, or if you want to feel more confident heading into the school year, we can help connect you with trusted counselors and education advocates in the Argyle area and provide therapeutic support tailored to your family’s needs.
Looking for help navigating your child’s educational or emotional needs?
Contact us today or call us at 940-294-7061 to learn how our team can support your family this summer and beyond.
