Your Journey of Self-Understanding Begins Here.

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD as an adult is a significant and often profound moment. It can bring a mix of emotions: relief from finally having a name for your experience, grief for past struggles, and uncertainty about what comes next. Please know that this is the beginning of a new chapter of self-understanding and empowerment.

It’s normal to feel both empowered and overwhelmed with information at this stage. Take your time, move at your own pace, and know that there is no “right way” to process your diagnosis.

This page is a curated starting point for your journey. It is a collection of resources—created by neurodivergent individuals, clinicians, and trusted organizations, to help you explore, learn, and connect with the broader neurodivergent community.

Essential Books for Your Journey

Reading the stories, strategies, and research of others can be one of the most validating parts of the post-diagnosis process. Books offer the chance to recognize your own experiences in others’ words and learn practical ways to thrive.

• Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, PhD

  • A vital exploration of masking and the lived experience of autistic individuals, particularly those who have gone undiagnosed for years. It's a powerful guide to living more authentically.

• Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant, PhD

  • Focuses on understanding autistic experiences as human experiences, rather than a checklist of deficits. A compassionate and deeply insightful read.

• Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward Hallowell, MD, and John Ratey, MD

  • A classic and foundational text on understanding the ADHD brain through a strengths-based, humanistic lens. It covers a wide range of life experiences.

• Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison

  • A landmark memoir that offers a witty, honest, and often moving firsthand account of growing up autistic before having a name for it.

• The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood, PhD

  • While the term "Asperger's" is now outdated, this remains a comprehensive and detailed resource on the profile of an autistic person without intellectual or language delays (now often diagnosed as Autism Level 1).

Insightful Articles to Deepen Your Understanding

These articles provide concise, digestible information on key topics that often come up after diagnosis, from understanding the diagnostic process to exploring emotional regulation and empathy.

• Understanding the Adult Autism Diagnosis (Healthline): A helpful overview of the diagnostic criteria and what it means to be diagnosed as an adult.

• Understanding Empathy and Autism (Simply Psychology): This article challenges the harmful myth that autistic people lack empathy, explaining the difference between cognitive and affective empathy.

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (ADDitude): An explanation of the intense emotional pain that can come with perceived rejection, a common experience for individuals with ADHD.

Podcasts & Social Media: Hearing Lived Experiences

Hearing directly from neurodivergent voices can provide comfort, practical strategies, and a sense of belonging. These podcasts and creators share wisdom and lived perspective.

Podcasts

• The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast: Hosted by two neurodivergent psychologists, this podcast explores the lives of neurodivergent women and gender-diverse individuals.

• ADHD for Smart Ass Women: Hosted by Tracy Otsuka, this podcast focuses on the strengths and unique challenges of women with ADHD.

YouTube & Instagram

• How to ADHD (YouTube): An incredibly popular and helpful channel hosted by Jessica McCabe that provides tips and insights for living with ADHD.

• Yo Samdy Sam (YouTube): An autistic creator who shares personal experiences and practical advice about autism in adults.

Online Communities & Support Networks

Community can be the most powerful form of support. Connecting with others who share your experiences offers validation, resources, and friendship.

• ADDitude Magazine: The premier resource for ADHD. Their website has excellent articles, recorded webinars, and resources for adults.

• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): AANE offers support, education, and resources specifically for individuals with the Asperger's/Autism Level 1 profile. They have valuable information, online forums, and support groups.

• Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN): A vital organization run by and for autistic individuals. They promote self-advocacy, acceptance, and provide resources to empower the autistic community.

• Wrong Planet: An online community and resource center with forums, articles, and a supportive community for sharing experiences and insights.

• Reddit Communities: Reddit hosts some of the largest and most active online communities for neurodivergent adults. They are excellent places to ask questions, share experiences, and feel understood.

  • r/autism: A large, general community for autistic people.

  • r/aspergers: A community for those who identify with the Asperger's profile (now typically diagnosed as Autism Level 1).

  • r/AutisticWithADHD: A specific community for individuals navigating the unique challenges and strengths of the AuDHD profile.

• Autism Society of America: The Autism Society provides support, advocacy, and information for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Their website offers resources, educational materials, and local chapter directories.

• MyAutismTeam: A social network and support community for individuals with autism and their families, allowing users to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Putting Knowledge into Practice: Your Therapeutic Path

Discovering your neurodivergence is the first step. The next is learning how to integrate this new understanding into your life in a way that feels authentic and empowering. While books, articles, and communities are invaluable, partnering with a therapist who specializes in neurodiversity can provide personalized support and guidance.

Therapy offers a dedicated space to process your diagnosis, explore your unique strengths, and develop practical strategies for navigating a world often not designed for your neurotype. At Thriving Wellness Center, our approach is not about "curing" or "fixing," but about helping you thrive as your authentic self.

Individual Therapy: A Space to Unmask and Thrive

For many newly diagnosed adults, life has been a performance. You may have spent years "masking" to fit in, leading to exhaustion and a feeling of being disconnected from your true self. Individual therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the real you.

Our neurodiversity-affirming therapists can help you:

• Understand and Unpack Your Diagnosis: Move beyond the label and explore what your unique neurotype means for you, your history, and your future.

• Navigate Autistic or ADHD Burnout: Learn to recognize the signs of burnout and develop strategies for rest, recovery, and prevention.

• Develop Practical Skills: Work on challenges with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and sensory sensitivities.

• Build Self-Advocacy: Gain the confidence to communicate your needs and set boundaries in your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life.

Ready to explore your path with personalized support? Click here to learn more about our Individual Therapy services.

Couples Therapy: Navigating Relationships with a New Understanding

A diagnosis can be a revelation for a relationship. It can shed light on years of misunderstandings, communication differences, and unmet needs. Thriving Wellness Center offers specialized neurodiverse couples counseling designed to help you and your partner build a stronger, more fulfilling connection.

Our approach helps couples:

• Foster Deeper Understanding: Go beyond frustration and learn to appreciate each other's unique neurological wiring.

• Improve Communication: Develop a shared language and practical tools to navigate common challenges in neurodiverse relationships.

• Build Empathy and Connection: Create a safe space to explore each other's experiences and rebuild intimacy and trust.

Want to build a stronger partnership through mutual understanding? Click here to learn more about our Neurodiverse Couples Counseling.

Group Therapy: The Power of Shared Experience

You are not alone. One of the most powerful experiences after a diagnosis is connecting with others who just "get it." Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for community, validation, and shared learning in a professionally facilitated environment.

Joining a support group at Thriving Wellness Center can help you:

• Reduce Isolation: Share your experiences and listen to the stories of others who are navigating similar journeys.

• Gain Diverse Perspectives: Hear different approaches to common challenges and learn new coping strategies from your peers.

• Practice Social Skills in a Safe Setting: Explore social dynamics with a group of individuals who understand the nuances of neurodivergent communication.

Find your community and grow with others. Click here to explore our Online Support Groups.