Neurodiversity-Affirming Resources
Welcome. If you’re here, you may be searching for understanding, validation, or tools to help navigate a world that wasn’t always built with your brain in mind. This journey of self-discovery can be empowering, but it can also be overwhelming to sift through endless information.
Our mission with this page is to provide a comprehensive, curated, and affirming list of resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families. We have gathered high-quality, community-recommended organizations, books, podcasts, and tools to support you. This is a living resource, designed to be a place you can bookmark and return to whenever you need guidance or a sense of community.
Autistic-Led Organizations & Advocacy
These organizations are run by and for neurodivergent individuals, offering essential perspectives, guides, and advocacy.
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN): A national organization run by and for autistic people, offering vital resources, policy advocacy, and community-building projects.
Neuroclastic: A collective of autistic writers providing in-depth articles, essays, and perspectives from the lived experience of the autistic community.
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN): Provides community, support, and resources specifically for autistic women, girls, trans, and nonbinary individuals.
The Arc: A national organization that provides support and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with local chapters throughout North Carolina.
Recommended Books
For Adults & Parents
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, PhD: An essential guide to understanding autistic masking and the process of living a more authentic, supported life.
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg: Explores the experiences and strengths of neurodivergent women, who have often been overlooked in research and diagnosis.
We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia: A powerful book by an autistic journalist that dispels common myths and reframes the conversation around autism.
Driven to Distraction by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey: A foundational book that provides a compassionate and comprehensive look at understanding and living with ADHD.
Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman: A comprehensive history of autism that has been pivotal in advancing the neurodiversity paradigm.
For Teens & Older Children
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Yenn Purkis & Tanya Masterman: A supportive and practical guide written to help autistic teens navigate the challenges of adolescence.
The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon: An empowering handbook for autistic girls covering topics like friendships, school, and self-care.
Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum by Erin Ekins: An intersectional guide offering support and advice for teens who are both neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Neuro-Affirming Podcasts & Videos
Listen to conversations and stories from neurodivergent hosts, therapists, and advocates.
The Neurodivergent Woman by Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock: A podcast featuring two AuDHD psychologists discussing the female neurodivergent experience.
Two Sides of the Spectrum by Meg Proctor: An affirming podcast that explores research and diverse perspectives within the autism community, intended for parents and professionals.
Divergent Conversations by Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Patrick Casale: Hosted by two AuDHD mental health professionals, this podcast explores the nuances of neurodivergence.
ADHD Quick Learner Video by Duke Health: A simple and engaging animated video that explains ADHD, its common signs, and the science behind it.
Online Communities & Social Media
Connect with affirming communities and advocates on social media for daily insights and support.
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective (Instagram & Facebook): An international collective of professionals dedicated to promoting neurodiversity-affirming practices and education.
Neurodivergent Rebel (Facebook Page): A page run by advocate Lyric Holmans, offering education and resources on neurodiversity from a lived-experience perspective.
Autistic Black Girl (Instagram): An account providing perspectives and raising awareness about the intersection of being Black and autistic.
Helpful Apps & Tools for Executive Functioning
These tools can provide practical support for organization, focus, and managing daily tasks.
Todoist: A popular task management app that can help with organizing projects, setting reminders, and managing daily to-do lists.
Headspace: A well-known app for guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, which can be helpful for managing anxiety and overwhelm.
Evernote: A versatile note-taking app that helps capture and organize ideas, notes, and documents in one place.
Focus@Will: A service that provides background music and soundscapes scientifically designed to improve concentration and reduce distractions.
Local North Carolina Support & Services
These North Carolina-based organizations provide clinical services, support, and resources for the local community.
UNC TEACCH Autism Program: A statewide, university-based program providing clinical services like diagnostic evaluations, parent coaching, and intervention services for autistic individuals and their families across the lifespan.
Triangle Disability & Autism Services: An affiliated chapter of The Arc that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism in achieving their personal goals through partnership and advocacy.
Neurodiversity Empowerment Services: A Triangle-area collective offering psychotherapy, peer support, DBT groups, and parent support groups for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
From Our Blog
Explore our articles for deeper insights into common questions and experiences within the neurodivergent community.
7 Types of Neurodivergent Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Neurodivergent Couples Therapy: A Guide
10 Key Strategies For ADHD Behavioral Therapy
How To Support Someone With ADHD
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: A Guide for Therapists and Families
Our Philosophy & Approach to Mental Health
Resilient Mind Counseling Mission Statement
Here at Resilient Mind Counseling, we believe that you are the author of your own story.
At Resilient Mind Counseling, our mission is to foster a compassionate and inclusive healing environment that celebrates the uniqueness and resilience of every individual. We are unwavering in our commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, Neurodivergent individuals, and those from the BIPOC communities.
We work to build and bridge communities that welcome and affirm people to be their whole selves, honoring their multiple identities and lived experiences.
Our core values, anti-ableism, anti-racism, and inclusivity, are the cornerstones upon which our practice is built. We firmly believe in the power of empathy and understanding, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels affirmed, seen, valued, and understood.
Our dedication to inclusivity knows no bounds. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities into our community, recognizing that diversity enriches our collective journey towards healing and growth.
With unwavering respect for the dignity and autonomy of each person, we are committed to providing therapy that empowers, nurtures, and inspires positive change. We embrace the opportunity to walk alongside you on your unique path to well-being, and together, we will create a world where acceptance and authenticity co-exist.
At Resilient Mind Counseling, we are not just therapists; we are advocates for a more equitable, accepting, and compassionate society. Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future, where every voice is heard, and every story is valued. Together, we can make a difference.