Resources

Curated by Dr. Burnett to help you in your journey:

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Therapy Referrals

  • Directory of neurodiversity-affirming therapists (newer, growing list)

  • Directory of progressive therapists, try “neurodiversity-affirming” in search tools, can filter by other specialties & insurance

  • Directory of justice-oriented therapists, can filter by specialties, insurance, & sliding scale

  • BIPOC therapist directories compiled by Just Davia

  • Directory of justice-oriented therapists providing sliding scale rates ($30-$60) after one-time membership fee

  • MA: Merrimack River Wellness (autistic/queer child, young adult, & parenting groups)

    CA: Gamer Therapy Groups (teens, college-aged, adults)

    WA: Delphi Young Adult Groups

  • No-cost letters: GALAP Directory

    Letters in 1 session: Van Levy’s Directory

  • While it is less difficult to find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist than an assessor, it can still be tough. It’s awesome that “neurodiversity” has become a more common term for therapists to use, but many are using it for marketing purposes without actually understanding what it means.

    AVOID: uses language like ASD, “with” autism, functioning labels, “deficits,” mentions ABA in positive way, teaches social skills, emphasizes providing CBT without anything like psychodynamic, relational, IFS, feminist, trauma-focused, or culturally sensitive (i.e., these are better), their vibe feels like they would be trying to “change” you rather than empower you.

    ASK: Do you have experience working with autistic/ADHDer clients? What are your views on the neurodiversity movement? If they are not as knowledgeable about neurodiversity but clearly have a social-justice oriented stance in other ways, then there is a high likelihood they would be a much better fit than someone who says they’ve “worked with ASD and teach social skills,” for example.

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Assessment Providers

  • Embrace Autism (Dr. Engelbrecht) - Autism Assessments

    Dr. Lauren Megrew - Neurodiversity Consultations

    *these are lower-cost than most and helpful for validation and self-understanding, but may not provide access to tangible supports (i.e., ask if they can meet your needs when inquiring)

  • Dr. Patrick Szafran - Children & Teens

    Dr. Rachel Leary - Children & Teens

    Dr. Renee Marchant - Children & Teens

    *if you need an assessment that includes performance-based neuropsychological/ academic measures, here are a couple clinics in MA that provide this type of testing for adults, but see “red flags / ask” below before reaching out, (i.e., unsure if they are up-to-date on high-masking autism and ADHD):

    Newton Neuropsychology Group

    Neuropsychological Assessment Clinic

    Boston Neuropsychological Services

  • Spark Psychological Services - All Ages

    Neuron & Rose - All Ages

    Total Spectrum Counseling - All Ages

    Dr. Amara Brook - All Ages

    LA Concierge Psychologist - Adults

  • Discover Psychology (Dr. Sara Woods): All Ages

    Dr. Shlomit Smargon: All Ages

    UW Autism Center: Children & Teens

  • Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find a psychological assessor who is up-to-date on high-masking autistic/ADHD presentations. If you are looking for a provider outside of my list, here are some recommendations for the types of ‘red flags’ to look for:

    AVOID: uses language like ASD, “with” autism, functioning labels, “deficits,” mentions ABA in positive way, has overly-clinical vibe without evidence of being social-justice oriented.

    ASK: What are your views on the neurodiversity movement? Do you know what “masking“ is, and how do you account for it during testing? What types of recommendations do you provide for newly-diagnosed autistics?

red emergency pull lever crisis resources

Free Crisis Resources

  • National Suicide Prevention Line: 988

    Samaritans (MA, suicide prevention): (212) 673-3000

    Blackline (BIPOC): (800) 604-5841

    Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860

    The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ teens/young adults): (866) 488-7386

    The Network/La Red (abuse survivors in LGBTQIA+, kink, poly communities): (800) 832-1901

    National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

    ”Don’t Call the Police”: Directory of community-based alternatives

  • Crisis textline: Text HOME to 741-741

    National Suicide Prevention Line: text 988

    The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ teens/young adults): Text START to 678-678

  • Warmline Directory

    Games & Online Harassment Hotline: text “SUPPORT” to 23368 (avail 3pm-7pm PST)

    Fireside Project (psychedelic peer support): call or text 62-FIRESIDE

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Organizations & Professional Trainings

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Social Media Advocates & Communities

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Self-Help, Tools, & Coaching

Although I am a typical loner in my daily life, my awareness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has prevented me from feelings of isolation.
— Albert Einstein