Neurodivergent Program
Who It's For
Common ASD Experiences:
- Struggling to find ways to build and maintain relationships that work for you
- Having trouble with social interactions and non-verbal communication
- Benefitting from routines and finding it difficult to adjust when they are disrupted
- Experiencing hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sound, light, and/or other sensory input
Common ADHD Experiences:
- Having trouble managing daily tasks and maintaining motivation
- Finding it difficult to focus (on meetings, finishing projects, details, etc.)
- Feeling like you don't have a mental filter to keep you from saying or doing things impulsively
- Tendency to fidget and struggle with sitting still
Other Common Experiences of Neurodivergent People:
- Doing well with some things and having trouble with others (Example: You can write poetry and have trouble tying your shoelaces.)
- Having difficulty identifying, communicating, and/or coping with feelings
- Having trouble with recognizing your body's cues regarding basic needs like hunger and thirst
- Being able to focus on things that interest you but struggling to pay attention to things that don't
*The above lists do not represent the entirety of the neurodivergent experience. It is normal to relate to some list items and not others. While there is a set criteria for diagnosis, every neurodivergent person has a unique experience of traits and challenges.
What to Expect
Finding a therapist when you're neurodivergent can be difficult. We try to make the process easier by matching clients with clinicians who use neurodivergent-affirming practices. This means we acknowledge both strengths and challenges and tailor sessions to fit your needs and goals. Clinicians will conduct assessments and provide referrals for testing when needed. When they are available, you will be given the option to take part in groups and other program offerings, such as online presentations on specific topics.
Program Format
- Individual sessions (in person or online)
- Length and frequency of sessions determined by client and clinician
- Recommended start of 1 weekly 60-minute session
- Clients will be informed when groups are offered and open to new participants
Meet the Team
Breanne Knopf (LMHC, NCC) is the Neurodivergent Program Lead and the Clinical Director of the Indianapolis office. One of her primary goals in starting the program was to address the gap in supports for neurodivergent adults. Her specialties include ADHD, AUDHD (combined ADHD and ASD), childhood and religious trauma, anxiety, and women's/AFAB-specific concerns. One of her favorite phrases in connection with neurodivergence is "It's not weird if it works."
Partnership Information
- A mental health program to refer neurodivergent people to when they need supports outside your organization
- If applicable, referrals to your organization when a client needs support outside our scope of practice
- Presentations by our clinicians to educate your staff on neurodivergent-specific topics
Applicant Information
- Group supervision, training for work with neurodivergent clients, and education on related topics
- Opportunities to lead groups, create educational content, and develop your own ideas for the program
- Opportunities for career development through the Centers of Excellence growth pathway
- Support in establishing work practices that prevent burnout (i.e. accommodations, boundaries, etc.)
Continuing Education
Explore our continuing education courses for clinicians in our CE catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have an official diagnosis to be part of the program?
You are welcome to join the program whether you know you're neurodivergent or think you might be. Our intake team will help you determine if the program is a good fit for you.
Does the program accept children?
While we plan to develop programming for children (groups, classes, etc.), we are not currently accepting them into the program. However, we have clinicians who work with neurodivergent children, so children can be matched with a clinician in our program for individual sessions without the program components. When programming for children becomes available, neurodivergent children in individual sessions will be offered access.
What will happen if I join the program and find out I don't have ADHD and/or ASD?
You and your clinician will determine if another clinician and/or program will better suit your needs. Pillars has multiple programs, such as OCD and Anxiety Exposure Services, for clients who have diagnoses that can appear similar to ADHD and/or ASD.
Ready to Get Started?
Our administrative team is here to help answer your questions and match you with the right clinician.