Approximately 15% of the global population is neurodivergent, often experiencing multiple conditions simultaneously. Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD, are often summarized as any condition in which someone develops atypical cognitive processes early in life.
With advocacy from the expanding neurodiversity movement, neurodevelopmental disorders are no longer viewed as illnesses that need to be cured, but simply another form of diversity and variation. The neurodiversity approach celebrates the unique brain differences across the human spectrum.
Neurodivergent disorders, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, are increasingly treated through affirming, personalized approaches that prioritize individual strengths and needs rather than attempting to “cure” neurodivergence. Modern treatment strategies focus on improving quality of life, adaptive functioning, and mental health while respecting neurodiversity.
Read on to learn more about neurodivergence and forms of treatment.
What Are Neurodivergent Disorders?
There are two prominent types of neurodivergent disorders, ADHD and ASD, explained below. However, others include:
- Dyslexia (difficulty with reading and language processing)
- Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder)
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with math and number-related tasks)
- Tourette Syndrome (involuntary tics and vocalizations)
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects 11% of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
More than 75% of children with ADHD experience significant symptoms in adulthood. In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders, and substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function, and working memory. Individuals who have issues with executive functioning may have difficulties completing tasks or forgetting important things.
More than two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other co-existing condition. Any disorder can co-exist with ADHD, but certain disorders seem to occur more often, including anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. They frequently continue into adult life.
ADHD is believed to have a significant genetic component. More than 20 genetic studies have shown evidence that ADHD is strongly inherited [1].
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Symptoms vary widely, on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe, and typically appear in early childhood.
Individuals with ASD may struggle with understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or forming relationships. They might also exhibit repetitive movements, intense focus on specific interests, or sensitivity to sensory stimuli like lights or sounds. Each person with ASD is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity—from low functioning to high functioning.
The exact cause of ASD is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early intervention, such as behavioral therapy and educational support, can significantly improve outcomes. ASD is a lifelong condition, but many individuals lead fulfilling lives with appropriate support and accommodations.
Therapeutic Approaches
Below is an overview of evidence-based approaches to therapeutic and medication-based treatment. As opposed to “behavioral normative” approaches to treatment, neurodivergent-affirming therapies form the cornerstone of modern care, emphasizing acceptance and adaptation.
Therapeutic approaches for neurodivergent disorders are tailored to individual needs and aim to enhance functioning, independence, and quality of life. Here are some key approaches [2]:
Behavioral Therapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Often used for ASD, ABA focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, and adaptive learning.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective for ADHD, ASD, anxiety, and OCD, CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Positive reinforcement-based CBT uses rewards to build adaptive skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Tailored for neurodivergence, it helps manage emotions, social interactions, and distress while honoring sensory sensitivities and communication styles.
Speech and Language Therapy
- Addresses communication challenges, particularly in ASD, dyslexia, and speech delays, helping individuals improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Focuses on developing fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills, especially for individuals with dyspraxia (a movement disorder), ASD, or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).
Educational Interventions
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) offer customized learning strategies for those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or ASD to support academic success.
Specialized Tutoring
- Targeted support for specific learning difficulties.
Social Skills Training
- Helps individuals with ASD or ADHD develop interpersonal skills, such as understanding social cues, taking turns, and building relationships.
Sensory Integration Therapy
- Designed for SPD or ASD, this therapy helps individuals process and respond to sensory input more effectively.
Art and Music Therapy
- Provides non-verbal outlets for expression and sensory integration, reducing anxiety and improving focus in clinical settings.
Skills Training and Behavior Therapy
- Focuses on practical life skills and reinforcing positive behaviors. For example, structured programs help individuals navigate daily tasks and social interactions.
Parent and Caregiver Training
- Equips families with strategies to support their neurodivergent loved ones, fostering a positive and structured environment.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
- Helps manage anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation in conditions like ADHD, ASD, or OCD.
Assistive Technology
- Tools like text-to-speech software, communication devices, or organizational apps support learning and daily functioning.
Medication
Medication can help with conditions like ADHD (stimulants or non-stimulants) or anxiety/OCD (SSRIs) to manage symptoms and improve focus or emotional regulation.
Clinical trials have explored medications to manage co-occurring symptoms [3]:
- SSRIs like fluoxetine and fluvoxamine show efficacy in reducing repetitive behaviors and aggression in autism, with response rates up to 53% in adults.
- Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, demonstrated superiority over placebo in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms in autism but faced tolerability issues, with 62% discontinuing due to side effects like seizures or tachycardia.
- Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, showed promise in small trials for hyperactivity and self-injury, though evidence remains limited.
Emerging Frameworks and Research
Recent clinical studies advocate for a paradigm shift:
- A transdiagnostic spectrum model challenges rigid diagnostic labels, emphasizing shared traits across conditions like autism and ADHD. This approach promotes personalized interventions targeting overlapping mental health needs (e.g. anxiety, depression) [4].
- Inclusive clinical trials are expanding treatment options, with research highlighting tailored therapies and participatory designs. For example, trials increasingly prioritize neurodivergent input to improve relevance and accessibility [5].
Lifestyle and Systemic Support
- Accommodations like flexible schedules, sensory-friendly environments, and workplace/school modifications help reduce barriers in neurotypical-centric systems [5].
- Collaborative care models integrate patient feedback into treatment plans, improving compliance and outcomes. Strategies include automated reminders and visual aids to ease healthcare interactions.
Key Considerations
- Personalization is critical: No single approach works universally, necessitating multidisciplinary assessments and iterative adjustments.
- Ethical priorities: Modern guidelines reject behavioral “normalization,” instead focusing on empowerment and reducing stigma.
Clinical research continues to reshape care, with an emphasis on dimensional assessments that use a spectrum of severity rather than rigid categorical assessments, and affirming practices. While medications address specific symptoms, holistic support systems and neurodiversity-informed therapies remain central to improving long-term outcomes.
Improving Mental Health in Utah
Treatment for mental health conditions is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, other mental health conditions, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.
Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Sources
[1] About ADHD – Overview. Chadd.org
[2] Des Marais S. 2025. Treatment options for neurodevelopmental disorders.Rula.com
[3] Doyle CA, McDougle CJ. Pharmacologic treatments for the behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012 Sep;14(3):263-79.
[4] Groundbreaking research challenges traditional neurodivergent diagnoses. 2024.News.Medical.net
[5] Sullivan, D. Emerging Therapies: How Clinical Trials Impact Neurodivergent Communities | Sponsored. Neurodiverging.com
