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Neurodivergence is an important topic in mental health today and affects a wide range of people. This page provides an overview to help neurotypical people understand the struggles of neurodivergent individuals and it summarizes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), and Tourette Syndrome. At Corner Canyon Health Centers we understand the issues neurodivergent individuals face and we can help with their wellness and mental health.
Neurodivergent disorders are a group of conditions that affect the development and functioning of the brain compared to what is considered normal. This leads to differences in thinking, learning, behavior, social interaction, communication, or sensory processing. As such, these conditions are considered to be neurodevelopmental disorders. They can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
The most common neurodivergent disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome. Although each of these disorders presents differently, they all involve atypical neurological development that can impact an individual’s social, emotional, and academic functioning.
These differences are not viewed as illnesses or problems, but as natural variations in human neurology. Symptoms vary widely between individuals; there is no “one size fits all.”
Neurodivergence results in unique strengths as well as certain challenges in environments designed for neurotypical individuals. The concept of neurodivergence thus recognizes and values diversity in how brains function, rather than pathologizing differences.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is marked by differences in social communication, interaction, behavior, and sensory sensitivities. Those with ASD may be challenged with interacting socially, communicating, and forming relationships. As a “spectrum” disorder, it presents differently depending on the individual, as do support needs.
Not an illness or a deficit, ASD is a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Neurological differences begin in early childhood. People with autism can draw on their unique strengths in pattern recognition, loyalty, and deep focus. They can lead fulfilling and successful lives with appropriate support, understanding, and accommodations tailored to their needs.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects both children and adults, impacting their ability to focus, pay attention, and control their impulses. It can interfere with development and daily functioning.
ADHD is not a result of laziness or poor discipline. It is a product of biological differences in brain structure and chemistry, and especially regulation of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
ADHD presents challenges at school, work, and in social settings. However, those with ADHD also have strengths with creativity, resilience, and the ability to hyperfocus on areas of high interest. Learning to live with ADHD involves education, behavioral strategies, and skill-building. Medication helps many individuals manage well, but is not for everyone.
The main features of Tourette Syndrome are tics—sudden, repetitive, and involuntary movements or vocal sounds. Both motor and vocal tics must be present for over a year to have a diagnosis. People with Tourette syndrome may also experience anxiety, depression, or other behavioral challenges.
Although it does not get worse for most people, there is no cure. Many people experience significant improvement in their tics as they enter adulthood. Treatment focuses on behavioral therapy, or medication if tics are painful or impact social functioning. Tourette Syndrome is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder are typically grouped into two core areas, which must be present from early childhood and limit everyday functioning. Remember, this is a spectrum, and the presentation varies widely from person to person.
Many individuals also have associated strengths, such as extraordinary attention to detail, deep knowledge in specific areas, and honesty.
People with ADHD may find it difficult to keep focus, complete tasks, or follow through on instructions as they may struggle with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. They often act without forethought and also struggle with social relationships due to their tendency to interrupt or act impulsively.
The symptoms of ADHD are divided into two primary categories: Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity. A diagnosis requires that several symptoms be present for at least six months and interfere with functioning in multiple settings (e.g., work, school, home).
Many people experience these behaviors occasionally. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be persistent and more severe than typical for a person’s developmental level.
These tics can be simple, such as eye blinking or throat clearing, or complex, such as jumping or shouting. and complex combinations of movements and words. The condition often emerges in childhood. Severity typically fluctuates, with tics sometimes worsening due to stress, excitement, or fatigue.
The main symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are motor and vocal tics, involuntary movements, and sounds that occur repeatedly.
Neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Tourette Syndrome frequently co-occur with each other. They also happen together with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and in some cases, substance abuse. This happens for several key reasons:
Often involving overlapping differences in brain structure, function, and neurochemistry, they can share biological vulnerability.
Anxiety and depression may be caused by having to cope with a world not designed for neurodivergent minds. It’s exhausting. “Masking” while navigating daily challenges can also lead to chronic stress.
Symptoms can blur. For example, ADHD-related rejection sensitivity can look like social anxiety, and autistic burnout can look like depression.
A mental health issue is often a secondary consequence of the primary neurodivergent condition. This can make comprehensive, overlapping care essential. So people with neurodivergence may be more vulnerable to mental health struggles which can negatively impact their self-esteem and make it difficult to handle change. This also impacts work performance for some and finding and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
With the focus shifting from “fixing” a person to building support and skills, the goals are to improve quality of life, relationships, and functioning, and not just reduce symptoms. It involves:
Adapting environments for sound sensitivity to reduce barriers, for example, by using noise-canceling headphones.
Based on individual needs, developing strategies to manage executive function, emotional regulation, and social communication.
Diagnosing neurodivergent disorders can be challenging because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Diagnosis usually involves a thorough evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and support from a multidisciplinary team. Behavioral therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals with neurodivergent disorders learn new skills, manage symptoms, and improve their quality of life.
Supportive counseling for co-occurring mental health conditions is also recommended. As is social support with group therapy, peer support, family involvement, trauma-informed care, and help with emotional regulation. Medications, such as stimulants or antidepressants, can also be helpful in managing symptoms.
If you or a loved one is looking for a compassionate space to address mental health issues related to neurodivergent conditions, reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon Health Centers.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Tourette Syndrome.
They all involve atypical neurological development that can impact an individual’s social, emotional, and academic functioning. These differences are not viewed as illnesses or problems, but as natural variations in human neurology.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by differences in social communication, interaction, behavior, and sensory sensitivities.
It’s a fairly common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It impacts an individual’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control their impulses, interfering with daily functioning or development.
It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by tics, which are sudden, repetitive, and involuntary movements or vocalizations.
Diagnosing neurodivergent disorders can be challenging because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. The diagnostic process typically involves a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Effective treatment for neurodivergent disorders typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and support from a multidisciplinary team. If you are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication, you may be unable to receive the SGB shot due to an increased risk of bleeding. Always speak with your doctor first so they can decide whether you are a good candidate for Stellate Ganglion Block.
Sav Headden
My experience at Corner Canyon to put it simply, was life changing. The program gave me a structure to set a solid foundation for my life outside of treatment. The people that are involved with Corner Canyon are amazing. From the staff, to the clients, these people quickly began to feel like family. This place felt like home to me. I truly was cared for in a way that I had never been before. I can honestly say that in the 62 days I was there I didn’t have a single bad day, and that to me speaks volumes. I’m grateful to have had the experience that I did. To anyone who is looking for help – I would heavily recommend going to Corner Canyon.
Jordan Brown
I arrived at Corner Canyon during the worst depressive episode of my life. I had no hope and felt disconnected from everything. I’m a therapist, and I had been doing all the “right” things to care for myself. But sometimes self-care is simply not enough.
Corner Canyon met me where I was and crawled with me until I could walk again. Literally. One mentor sat on the floor beside my bed and talked to me when I didn’t yet have the strength to regularly go out into the common areas. Another mentor coaxed stories out of me and excitedly shared them with other staff. He reminded me of how much time I had spent serving others and made sure I knew how valuable my service had been. Little by little, connections with staff and clients helped my find myself again.
Because, above all else, Corner Canyon was where I rediscovered the power of human connection. Yes, the treatment was top-notch. Yes, the food served was beyond delicious and healthy. But it was the way in which the treatment was provided, the food was served, and the connections were forged that made all the difference.
Specific techniques treated my depression, but so did the stories of healing and recovery told by therapists, house staff, and other clients. Healers have often been wounded at one point in their lives.
There’s a lot of stigma attached to mental illness, even, sadly, among mental health providers. I was worried I was going to be looked down upon. But what makes Corner Canyon so special is that you will get to know your pain in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. All kinds of people go to Corner Canyon for treatment. And that’s because the treatment center is grounded in acceptance and professionalism.
At Corner Canyon, you will come to realize the power of vulnerability, the healing that comes from meaningful connection, and the love that binds us all together.
Dominique Suazo
When I came to Corner Canyon I was lost. I was 31 years old, struggling with addiction issues and my own mental health, and didn’t know which way to turn. I was very fortunate to land here. Through the help of some people who loved and cared about me, they got me in the doors of this wonderful program.
I was nervous at first, but I soon realized I was amongst peers who were feeling and going through the same things, which put me at ease. I was surrounded by staff who themselves had been through their own treatment and had such compassion and support for me and my well-being.
The Clinical team is wonderful and they are all highly trained experts. They practice many different modalities and with that they were able to get to the core of my issues to treat both my trauma, and subsequently my substance abuse. They did this with such grace, compassion, and empathy, that I always felt they had my best care in mind.
I could write forever about how this place changed my life, but the reality is that there would never be enough words. This program, it’s wonderful staff, and the people who come here make this place more than just a rehabilitation center. It’s a home. I found myself here, I found my tribe, and I was able to unlock decades worth of trauma that led me to a life I didn’t want to lead. After coming here I found the life I always wanted, and it started at Corner Canyon.
Angel Warrior 68
Corner Canyon has put together an excellent residential program. I need a comprehensive program that addressed my health and mental health with cutting edge treatment — they exceeded my expectations. With the continuum of health, mental health, and wellness services offered – they truly individualized my treatment plan. They have an excellent, well-trained staff that genuinely care. I wish I had found them 5, 10 years ago it would have saved me a lot of heart ache. I feel ALOT better than I have felt in sometime and as I continue to take care of myself, I am confident I will be an even better version of myself. Michelle Feb-Mar 2023
Amber Litz
So it doesn’t sound so cliche I won’t say this place saved my life. But I will say this place saved my future!! There are no descriptive words that exist that hold enough volume to describe how extraordinarily phenomenal this place is! They get it, they listen! It kind of feels like the beginning of an awesome horror movie when you first get there cause everyone is so nice, kind, and caring you’re waiting for the ball to drop. Then you realize they are truly that kind & caring! (I have severe trust issues) I never thought I could ever get better so there was no point in going for help because I have been through so much trauma that there wasn’t any facility out there that could handle the magnitude and complex trauma I have endured. However I was wrong! The mentors, I seriously will never be able to thank them enough for listening to my emotional babble some days & they never made me feel like they needed to run off & do the other work they had to do or nothing! Liz & Dom the two on the front line that you only really interact with when you’re checking in. They deserve a lot of recognition & praise that I don’t think they get very often! The fact I struggle with anxiety & answering my phone most days fills me with dread & fear even though I’m the one who emailed the treatment center that was on my caller ID I still froze & couldn’t answer & felt dumb for even reaching out for help. Then the debilitating depression & shame would set in cause I didn’t pick up the phone would set in & I would get so angry at myself! It was a vicious cycle! Up until the day Liz text me & she never left me alone (haha I’m forever grateful for that) it was like chatting with a new friend. After her portion of the admissions process was done I was passed off to Dom, who again never left me alone! The ease & friendly chatting made it easier to commit to checking in. And I did it, I went to Corner Canyon & checked in & it was by far the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! The first week I was there Adam who is a mentor there (I won’t elaborate but…) did something for me that I’ve never had anyone do for me, that was thought of me. I always take care of everyone in my life & make sure they have what they need & they’re okay before myself. Usually not leaving time for myself. But for the first time in 46 years someone thought of me first. It was such a small gesture, but will forever make a monumental impact in my life. That day sealed my fate! I could stay at Corner Canyon, I could complete the program! They really did care! I have so much more to say about every single person there! But this is supposed to be a review, not a novel of my life so I will end this by saying, what you got to lose?! I can 100% guarantee that your worst day at Corner Canyon will still be 10 times easier than your worst day before you got there!
breanne motta
Wow, Corner Canyon Health Centers truly changed my life. I truly entered with not a thought of wanting to live, and I left today and I have SO many reasons now. The staff goes out of their way to not only connect with you, but care for you. They are amazing at taking feedback and truly care about the experience their clients have. You truly do become a family, the community I met while in CCHC will always be with me. I know I made the right choice coming to CCHC they truly saved my life in more ways than one. I couldn’t thank them properly even if I tried. CCHC is the right next step, I promise you will not regret it.
Michael Coyne
Unfortunately after a few days my mom went south quickly and I had to leave. AWESOME STAFF AND FACILITY, area is beautiful. Hard to leave. Highly recommend this facility. From Liz to the therapists to the medical and house staff! 11/10
Heather Colemere
Corner Canyon helped changed my trajectory in life. I was headed for disaster . Corner Caynon helped me see that I had more potential than I could ever see for myself. Chris assisted me with Ketamine assisted therapy and he helped me transorm my mindset from negative to positive. I’m so grateful for all Corner Canyon for helping me find myself again!
Emma Dimetrosky
I spent 30 days at corner canyon and overall had a great experience. There was an amazing group of clients and we all got so close which was really added to my experience. Some highlights were Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, we would do a really engaging activity. I always looked forward to getting out of the house and doing the activities.
The process groups were also really worthwhile and helpful. The process groups were a safe place for clients to share and be vulnerable. I also learned a lot during the second half of groups where they would teach us some skills. The group of staff is amazing too. They are all so sweet and supportive. All the staff really helped make it a better experience. I left with so many new skills and it a significantly better place. The house made it like a really homey safe space. I’d highly recommend this program.
