Signs You Might Be Neurodivergent (And Why Therapy Could Actually Help)
Have you ever wondered why life feels harder for you than it seems to be for everyone else? You’re smart, capable, and high-achieving - but still overwhelmed, scattered, emotionally drained, or constantly second-guessing yourself.
Maybe you’ve thought:
“Why can’t I just stay on top of things?”
“Why do I always feel like I’m failing at ‘normal’ life?”
If that sounds familiar, you might be one of many adults beginning to explore the idea that they could be neurodivergent - and just never knew it.
As a psychologist based in Victoria, Australia, specialising in neurodivergent-affirming therapy (mostly via telehealth), I work with clients across the country who are discovering their unique wiring later in life. Let’s explore what neurodivergence really is, what signs to look out for, and how therapy can help you feel more understood, less overwhelmed, and more in control of your life.
What Is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is a broad term that describes brains that function differently from what's considered "typical." It includes conditions like:
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dyscalculia
Tourette’s Syndrome
But here’s the thing: neurodivergence is more than just a diagnosis. It’s a different way of experiencing, processing, and responding to the world. And often, it goes unnoticed - especially in women, parents, and high-achieving professionals who have spent years masking their challenges or blaming themselves for “not coping.”
Common Signs You Might Be Neurodivergent
If you’re undiagnosed but wondering whether neurodivergence could explain your experience, here are some signs many of my clients have identified with:
ADHD-Like Signs:
Difficulty with time management, planning, or organisation
Starting lots of things, but struggling to finish
Emotional overwhelm, reactivity, or shutdown
Racing thoughts, interrupted focus, or “constant noise” in the brain
Struggles with routine, even when you want one
“All-or-nothing” energy bursts followed by burnout
Autism-Like Signs:
Feeling like you’re always performing or masking in social situations
Heightened sensitivity to noise, light, texture, or smell
Intense interests or deep focus on specific topics
Struggles with transitions, change, or lack of structure
Difficulty expressing your needs or setting boundaries
Feeling “different” your whole life - but never knowing why
Dyslexia or Other Learning Differences:
Trouble processing written or verbal instructions
Difficulty remembering dates, names, or sequences
Working harder than others to keep up in school or work
Avoiding tasks that require reading, writing, or paperwork
Why You Might Have Missed the Signs
Many people-— especially women and AFAB individuals - go undiagnosed because they’ve been coping in socially acceptable ways. You might’ve been labelled as:
“Gifted, but scattered”
“Emotional” or “sensitive”
“A bit of a perfectionist”
“Lazy” or “inconsistent”
“Good at everything… except finishing things”
Sound familiar?
You may have been praised for your achievements but struggled silently with burnout, self-doubt, and never feeling “good enough.” That’s why it’s so common to reach adulthood feeling completely overwhelmed - without knowing why.
How Therapy Can Help If You're Neurodivergent (Or Think You Might Be)
If you’ve read this far and some of it resonates - therapy can be a powerful next step.
Working with a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist means you’ll get support that doesn’t try to “fix” you or force you into neurotypical moulds. Instead, you’ll learn to understand how your brain works - and how to build a life around that.
As a psychologist who is also neurodivergent, I help clients across Australia via telehealth with:
Understanding their neurodivergent traits
Navigating identity shifts after diagnosis or self-discovery
Building sustainable routines that don’t rely on discipline
Managing emotional dysregulation and overwhelm
Healing from burnout, shame, and years of masking
Setting boundaries and reconnecting with who they really are
You Don’t Need a Diagnosis to Get Support
Whether you’ve been formally diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, or you simply suspect your brain works differently - you’re welcome here.
You don’t have to tick every box. You don’t have to prove anything. If life feels harder than it should, that’s reason enough to reach out.
Ready to Find Out What Might Be Going On?
If you're ready to explore your neurodivergence, reconnect with yourself, and finally feel seen - I’m here. I offer telehealth sessions across Australia, and in-person appointments in Mordialloc, Victoria, upon request.
Because therapy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. It should be as unique as your brain.
Want to talk? Fill in the application form to work with me. Let’s find a way forward - together.