Being neurodivergent in a world that isn’t built for your neurotype comes with chronic misunderstandings, discrimination, bullying, and rejection from neurotypical people. These experiences aren’t just painful—but can cause deep trauma often leading to symptoms of PTSD.

To protect yourself, you may have learned to mask—hiding your true self to avoid unwanted consequences. But masking comes at a cost, leading to chronic exhaustion, loss of identity, and a deep sense of isolation. On top of that, many neurodivergent individuals have heightened sensory sensitivities, making them even more susceptible to trauma.

Healing From Trauma as a Neurodivergent Individual

Being neurodivergent in a world designed for neurotypical people can lead to chronic misunderstandings, discrimination, bullying, and social rejection. These experiences aren’t just painful—they can be deeply traumatizing, shaping how you see yourself and interact with the world.

To protect yourself, you may have learned to mask—hiding your true thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to fit in or avoid negative consequences. While masking can be a survival strategy, it often leads to chronic exhaustion, identity loss, and emotional isolation. At the same time, many neurodivergent individuals experience heightened sensory sensitivities, making them more vulnerable to trauma.

Beyond social challenges, neurodivergence itself can lead to traumatic experiences—including neglect, abuse, medical mistreatment, and invalidation. These experiences were never your fault. You may also be carrying the weight of a specific traumatic event that continues to impact your nervous system, emotions, and daily life.

The Hidden Cost of Masking

Masking may help you navigate daily challenges, but it comes at a significant personal cost. Constantly suppressing your true self can lead to:

• Chronic Exhaustion: The constant effort to conform drains your energy, affecting both mental and physical health.
• Loss of Identity: Over time, masking can erode your sense of self, making it difficult to recognize who you truly are.
• Deep Isolation: The need to hide your authentic self may leave you feeling disconnected and isolated from those who could offer genuine support.

Heightened Sensory Sensitivities and Trauma

Neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivities, which can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. This sensitivity makes it even more challenging to process traumatic experiences, whether from childhood neglect, abuse, medical mistreatment, or specific traumatic events. Recognizing that these experiences are not your fault is the first step toward healing.

You Deserve a Space to Heal

We offer a safe and validating space to:
– Unmask in a way that feels safe – Healing doesn’t mean losing your protective strategies; it means finding ways to live authentically without unnecessary harm.
– Process trauma without judgment – Your experiences are real, and you deserve to be heard and validated.
– Understand your nervous system – Learn how trauma and neurodivergence interact, and how to regulate your emotions in ways that honor your unique brain.
– Release shame – Trauma often convinces us that something is “wrong” with us. We help you peel back those layers of shame so you can move forward with self-compassion.

Healing Starts With Feeling Understood

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