In recent years, there has been an uptick in the number of adults and teens receiving diagnoses of ADHD and/or Autism. Still others follow the trail of symptoms and self-diagnose. Knowing that you have these clusters of symptoms is important, but where does it leave you? It leaves you with questions.

What can I do to make my life better? Is there any way I can focus, calm down, reduce these impulses, deal with this overstimulation, understand my feelings, understand their feelings, know what to do, know if this is normal? 

Not only is Karen Gawne a:

Certified Clinical Specialist in Autism (ASDCS)

and a Certified Clinical Services Provider in ADHD,

she’s neurospicy herself and she raised neurospicy kids. She understands  the “What now?” feeling that comes after a diagnosis and can offer direction, validation, and non-judgement. 

Karen also knows first-hand that parenting neurodivergent kids can be a challenge and she has experience supporting parents as they navigate parenting a differently-abled child. Her office is a safe space to say out loud the things we feel we shouldn’t say and to ask the questions we’re afraid to ask. Mom Guilt can be a real challenge, but Karen is here to listen and empathize, not to judge. (No, your child will not starve if they hyperfixate on eating only chicken nuggets for months.)

While Counsellors are not able to diagnose, what we can do is offer help with the real issue – the symptoms. Karen will work with you to maximize your areas of strength and offer tools and ‘life-hacks’ to help you get through your day. For example, the ADHD mind thrives on challenge, so try setting a timer on your phone and see if you can get those dishes washed before the timer goes off…or laundry folded…or find the kitchen table under the piles of stuff. To make it more pleasant, put on music or call a friend. This can distract you from feeling overwhelmed and going into paralysis.

There is no shame in being neurodivergent, we’re just wired differently. And different wiring requires a creative approach to life.

If you’re under the neurodivergent umbrella, odds are you don’t like making phone calls, so instead please email us at hello@brooksidecounselling.com. We’re here to support and encourage you in your next chapter.