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Episode 134. I am so incredibly grateful for this conversation. I’m especially grateful for Becca’s knowledge and openness about their personal and professional experiences in this realm. I’m also so glad I live in a time when therapists can come on a podcast and be open about their personal experiences. What a freaking gift.
Becca is a therapist who works primarily with high masking, late identified and late diagnosed autistic and ADHD people.
This conversation is a 2-parter, filled with information, resources and interwoven with Becca’s story of becoming a therapist and late diagnosis of ADHD and autism.
You’re going to love it.
What to Expect in this Episode
We cover the following:
- The work Becca does with clients, professional trainings and continuing education and how their non-linear path here
- The ways autism and ADHD are understood now, and how Becca has seen these understanding shift over the past few decades
- The true definition of neurodivergence
- What it means that autism is a dynamic disability
- Why we don’t use the term Asperger’s syndrome anymore
- And so much more! (Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2 where we dive into the harm that can be caused by therapists and others to those with Autism and ADHD, and how to avoid this, psychodrama, Becca’s other creative joys, and so much more)
Who is Becca Gibson
Becca Gibson, LCSW-C, LICSW, is an Autistic and ADHD independent clinical social worker, as well as the founder and owner of Wired Differently Therapy, a private practice serving clients in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. After spending years supporting disabled students in public school classrooms, Becca began a career in social work with a specialization helping neurodiverse couples, families, and neurodivergent individuals through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Becca’s clinical work focuses on Autistics and ADHDers – especially those who are considered “gifted”, or “twice-exceptional” – and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence. In addition to their work as a therapist, Becca provides professional development training, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision.
Definition of Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term. According to Nick Walker, neurodivergent refers to “having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of ‘normal.’”
Resources Mentioned
- YouTube ADHD training delivered by Becca Gibson: https://youtu.be/IcWMwK1aSvg?si=kaRlsD1Ysp8mAXnQ
- Matt Lowry’s information about how he has reframed the DSM diagnostic criteria for autism to be more strengths-based
- Information on Autistic-Centered Therapy from KindTherapyandWellness.com
- Autistics are more likely to experience complex trauma, and to identify as alexithymic. Alexithymia doesn’t mean you don’t feel things, it just means you have trouble identifying how to label these feelings
- AASPIRE – https://autismandhealth.org/
- Information about Psychodrama
- The Obsessive Joy of Autism book
Wanting more support beyond these podcasts?
- I am currently accepting new therapy clients if you live in one of these 40 states in the US
- If interested in learning more, including my availability and details about my practice, email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com or call 616-227-0001
- Or if you are a therapist of helping professional looking to connect in community and learn more about or experience the IFS model, get on my email list here and/or email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com to introduce yourself!
Disclaimer: This blog and podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual professional advice or treatment, including medical or mental health advice. It does not constitute a provider-patient relationship.
Disclosure: Using the Bookshop.org links in this post means that I would get an affiliate fee if you purchase from the online bookshop (this supports my business, and local bookstores too!).