I believe that the way our minds work is not an accident. It has helped us survive. For thousands of years, humans adapted to thrive in different environments. A child who was impulsive or easily distracted might have followed a butterfly and discovered a new patch of berries to feed their community. A hunter who noticed the slightest movement in the grass could avoid danger and secure food. These traits, often labeled as symptoms today, were once essential for survival.

In our modern world, where we are expected to sit still for hours in classrooms or offices, these same traits can feel like a burden. This is what we often call Attention Deficit Hyperactiviy Disorder (ADHD). I have worked with many clients with ADHD, and together we focus on strengths, finding ways to succeed in school, careers, relationships, and family life while honoring who they are.

The diversity of the human mind has always been a source of creativity and innovation. Consider the story of Sir Isaac Newton, who once spent weeks secluded in his parents’ home, immersed in the mysteries of the universe. After a heated debate with fellow astronomy hobbyists in a pub, he went on to create calculus, partly just to prove that he could measure the distance between planets and stars. While not everyone is Newton, his story reminds us that people with unusual focus, passionate curiosity, or unique ways of engaging with the world have shaped some of humanity’s most important discoveries.

In the same way, clients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and clients with ADHD bring unique strengths, perspectives, and capacities that enrich our communities. I have greatly enjoyed working with these clients, supporting them in building meaningful, fulfilling lives while fostering connection and balance with those around them. My background in neuroscience and brain imaging research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Greater Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Hospital informs the way I understand how development and the brain shape our struggles and strengths.

I believe we all exist on a spectrum of biology, behavior, and experience. Neurodiversity is not about having a disorder. It is about difference. Together, we can find meaning in these differences, build on strengths, and carve out a path for you to thrive.