Neurodivergence is not a disease to be cured, a gap to be filled, or a set of symptoms to be suppressed. Under the neurodiversity paradigm, originally conceptualized by Judy Singer and further developed by thinkers such as Nick Walker, I view neurobiological variations—such as Level 1 Autism, ADHD, and the AuDHD overlap—as natural and valuable manifestations of human diversity.
My integrative psychotherapeutic practice moves away from the purely pathological model to focus on the real person: their coping strategies, their life history, and the environmental and social barriers they have faced over time.
My intervention is based on scientific evidence and clinical contributions developed by leading researchers worldwide in the field of autism and neurodivergence.
Female/Male Autism and Social Camouflage (Masking): I incorporate Dr. Tony Attwood's analyses of cognitive imitation skills in the Level 1 profile, Dr. Sarah Bargiela's studies on school underdiagnosis and early identification, and the neurobiological and epidemiological investigations of quantitative masking mapping led by Dr. Meng-Chuan Lai. The reflection on gender bias in science is based on Dr. Gina Rippon's work on neuroplasticity.
Paradigm of Neurodiversity and Adult Autism: My conceptualization is based on the sociology of Judy Singer, the philosophy of the acceptance paradigm and neuroqueer movement of Dr. Nick Walker, and the social psychology of unmasking autism developed by Dr. Devon Price. The evolution of diagnostic and psychodynamic criteria is supported by the contributions of Dr. Uta Frith.
Clinical Intersection and AuDHD: Understanding the internal conflict between the need for routine and the search for novelty is based on the work of Dr. Megan Anna Neff. The specifics of AuDHD and its relationship with hormonal fluctuations follow the research of Dr. Samantha Hiew.
Cross-cutting Perspective: Simon Baron-Cohen's research and publications provide a cross-cutting overview of the empathy, cognition, and systematization dimensions of the neurodivergent profile.
The ongoing need to adapt to an environment often ill-prepared for neurobiological diversity requires neurodivergent individuals to develop profound compensatory mechanisms. Although often invisible to outsiders, these survival strategies generate silent wear and tear with significant impacts on mental health and well-being throughout life.
The Process of Social Camouflage (Masking)
Masking translates to the suppression—conscious or unconscious—of authentic neurodivergent traits. To protect themselves from rejection or judgment, individuals learn to mimic neurotypical behaviors, inhibit natural sensory or motor responses, and develop exhaustive mental scripts to manage everyday social interactions.
The Clinical Consequences of Continued Camouflage
Living continuously under a mask demands an enormous cognitive and emotional effort. In the long term, continued camouflage results in chronic sensory and psychological overload, hinders or impedes timely diagnostic identification—especially in adulthood—and can lead to a painful feeling of identity dissociation, in which the person loses touch with their own needs and essence.
Autistic Burnout
As a direct result of chronic camouflage efforts and the prolonged absence of adequate environmental and social accommodations, autistic burnout emerges. This is a devastating state of profound mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, in which the nervous system collapses due to an inability to sustain continuous overexertion.
The Functional Impact of Burnout
In clinical practice, autistic burnout manifests as a temporary and frightening loss of previously acquired executive skills, a drastic reduction in tolerance to sensory stimuli, and a temporary inability to respond to the most basic demands and routines of daily life. It is not a lack of willpower, but rather a physiological and emotional limit that requires slowing down, validation, and specialized support.
Response to the Community and Families
Neurodivergence manifests itself through differences in functional and sensory processing, and not through a character deficit in the individual. Suffering and behavioral dysregulation often result from the continuous friction between a neurodivergent nervous system and an environment that does not offer the necessary accommodations. Promoting adequate support requires replacing attempts at behavioral correction with strategies of sensory accessibility, clear communication, and respect for each person's individual rhythms.
The Path of Therapeutic Accompaniment
Acceptance and Reconstruction of the Life Narrative
Análise do percurso pessoal à luz do perfil neurodivergente, recontextualizando memórias de inadequação ou isolamento.
Mapping needs and limitations
Identifying the factors of sensory, social, and cognitive overload that lead to burnout.
Development of accommodation strategies
Creating sustainable routines, communicating needs, and choosing environments that promote well-being.
Acceptance, Integration and Autonomy
Consolidating emotional autonomy, to live life to the fullest without sacrificing one's own identity.
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