“Neurodiversity” sounds like a recent buzzword, but it’s just a succinct way to capture what we all know: everyone does not process information the same way. Many formal diagnoses fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities. But knowing the specific diagnosis is not necessarily as important as understanding how a person thinks, especially in the context of trauma recovery. Today we are joined by Shealyn Clinger, LCSW, who invites us to think about neurodiversity from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. We start the conversation by defining neurodivergence before discussing the interplay with trauma exposure and suggestions for how to help patients on their path to trauma recovery. As always, we end with Actionable Intel to help listeners hone their skills.

Shealyn Clinger, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and Data Manager II at the Consortium for Defense Psychology, where she supports program evaluation and the translation of research into clinical practice. She is also the founder of Cerebral Counseling & Consulting, a private practice specializing in trauma and neurodiversity-affirming care. As a military spouse with both clinical expertise and lived experience, Shealyn is passionate about improving care for neurodivergent individuals and military-connected communities through practical, evidence-informed approaches.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Calls-to-action:

  • Shift your perspective from “what’s wrong with this patient?” to “how do they process the world and how can I help them heal?”
  • Conduct a comprehensive assessment for each patient, including a thorough review of developmental history
  • Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
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