AuDHD with Anne-Marie

About Me

Hi, I’m Anne-Marie, a neurodivergent psychotherapist with 20 years of experience and a passion for ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and Giftedness.

I learned the value of a good therapist early in life. Having a compassionate guide to help me navigate some challenging times was priceless, and ignited my love for psychology. Now it is my mission to provide the same kind of nonjudgmental, compassionate support to others in turn.

What makes my work different is that it’s founded on the integration of the latest research with a neuro-affirming perspective informed by lived experience. With nearly a decade of experience in teaching Psychology, I bring my passion for psychological science into my assessment and therapy practices, incorporating insights into human brain function to help my clients understand how their brain helps make them who they are.

The

The AuDHD with Anne-Marie Origin Story

I come from a long line of smart and quirky people. I’m also married to one and we created two more. My world and my normal includes ADHD, Autism, and Giftedness. I’m here to help you discover if they may be part of your world, too.

I didn’t learn about my divergent neurotype (AuDHD) until I was an adult, and it felt like finding the missing link. But it wasn’t an easy path to get there.

I grew up in a time when understanding of ADHD in girls and women was still extremely limited. Even though I struggled with executive functioning issues (always losing and forgetting things, being “spacey,” messy and disorganized, etc.) no one considered that I could have ADHD because at school I was generally a quiet rule follower who loved learning and got good grades.

Similarly, I didn’t discover my autistic brain style until much later because I didn’t fit the stereotypical Autistic profile. Doctors recognized anxiety and depression but my special interests, difficulty relating to peers, picky eating, and sensory sensitivities flew under the radar. I spent a lot of effort learning how to be “normal,” and I was just astute enough to be successful. I assumed, incorrectly, that everyone else was going through the same thing.

I’m just one of a growing number of people who was identified after one or more of their children received an Autism diagnosis. This understanding about my neurotype has opened so many doors for growth. There is often healing to do from the challenges of growing up and living in a world tailored to people who think and feel in significantly different ways from you.

To me it was like learning that I’m a shade-loving tropical plant living in a sunny desert. My environment wasn’t well suited for my needs. The support I got was healthy for my sun-loving peers, but not so much for me. While life with a non-normative brain style still has its challenges, I understand that my needs and ways of being in the world are different and I have tools for keeping myself healthy.

Providing neuro-affirming services is now my mission. I have always enjoyed the process of psychological evaluation and therapy, and it is a privilege to support others in learning more about themselves. In this way, I’m spreading awareness about the importance of diverse brain styles one person at a time.