By Patty Laushman
Are you looking for resources and support to help manage mental health issues related to neurodivergence? You’re not alone.
Neurodivergent people experience unique struggles that can have significant impacts on their day-to-day lives, and over time they tend to develop more challenges with their mental health. Compounding the problem is the fact that mental health providers typically receive zero training in their educational programs on neurodiversity awareness or what helps the neurodivergent population.
In this blog post, I’ll share resources designed specifically for neurodivergent teens and adults.
Mental Health Resources for Neurodivergent Teens and Adults
Here are 10 of the best mental health resources for neurodivergent teens and adults.
1. Feeling Kinda Blue
Feeling Kinda Blue is an online platform for people 18+ created to serve people living with depression, anxiety, grief, emotional pain, and other mental illnesses. It allows users to share their experience and make meaningful connections with others who are going through similar circumstances.
The website promotes understanding and a sense of community by showing empathy toward each other's experiences in order to reduce social isolation.
2. The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills
The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills by Sonny Jane Wise is an invaluable resource for neurodivergent teens and adults looking to increase their mental health.
Featuring reflections and advice from an individual who has well-honed techniques in managing distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and sensory needs, this workbook is a guide to wellness meant to gradually build each individual's ability to cope with situations.
It combines evidence-based skills like mindfulness with journaling prompts, friendly advice, and actionable steps you can take.
3. Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is an incredible resource for neurodivergent teens and adults. ASAN was established on the idea that people on the autism spectrum are in the best position to advocate for themselves and bring about real change.
As part of their mission, they provide support and educational programs, self-advocacy resources for children and adults, as well as other advocacy efforts to create a more inclusive world.
From sharing stories about living with autism to providing information about topics such as mental health awareness and employment opportunities, ASAN is dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals learn valuable skills that can lead to meaningful lives.
4. CHADD
With the significant overlap between autism and ADHD, it is worth mentioning that CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is an advocacy organization dedicated to the support of neurodivergent teens and adults with ADHD. They offer vital resources such as educational content, advocacy, and access to the latest developments in research and treatment options.
Through its mission to help individuals better manage their own well-being, CHADD has become a crucial resource for many people who suffer from this disorder. They provide positive strategies for coping with difficulties associated with ADHD, giving those affected by it an unbeatable starting place for improving their quality of life.
5. How to ADHD YouTube Channel
This channel provides a unique space for teens and adults with neurodivergence to find highly entertaining and educational videos on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Not only do they feature informative videos about different coping techniques for managing symptoms of ADHD, but also personal stories from the creator, Jessica McCabe, who shares her experiences in order to help others.
6. The Trevor Project Resource Center
The Trevor Project Resource Center is a resource that offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically tailored to LGBTQ youth. This center is available 24/7/365, so help is always there when one needs it most. Texting START to 678-678 or calling 1-866-488-7386 puts people in contact with the Trevor Resource Center, where they can speak with an advocate to get the support they need.
7. TrevorSpace – Community for LGBTQ Youth
TrevorSpace is one of the best mental health resources for neurodivergent LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24. It's an online social networking space run by the aforementioned Trevor Project, a support organization specifically created to provide guidance and care to LGBTQ youth and their allies.
On TrevorSpace, people can create a profile, join private group discussions, make new friends, link up with local organizations that offer resources, and get advice from professionals. In addition, TrevorSpace provides access to trained counselors who can offer support and guidance in a safe, supportive environment.
8. The Trans-Autist Resource Guide
The Trans-Autist Resource Guide is an invaluable resource for supporting trans-autistic young people. It provides information on issues related to gender, sexuality, identity, and expression that trans-autistic youth face.
This guide also offers strategies that can be used to support the mental health of those in this population, as well as guidance for allies who want to learn how best to help transgender and autistic individuals.
With sections on self-determination, communication and relationships, employment, community building, and more, this comprehensive guide seeks to address the unique experiences and needs of those who identify as both transgender and autistic.
This guide is an invaluable tool for providing necessary support to a group of people who often feel isolated or misunderstood.
9. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
As of July 16, 2022, there is one number to call if a loved one is suicidal or you just have concerns. That number is 9-8-8. Calls are routed to a network of more than 200 local crisis centers. The people on the other end are counselors trained in handling mental and behavioral health issues. They will listen, try to understand what’s going on, provide free 24/7 and confidential support, and connect callers to resources, if necessary.
One thing I love about this program is the Individual and Family Lived Experience Committee that ensures the Lifeline is effectively reaching critical and diverse populations at higher risk for suicide, including specifically Individuals with Neurodivergence and the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Crisis Text Line
Not neurodiversity-specific, but because sometimes crisis lines have long wait times, this is another option. The crisis text line offers free 24/7 emotional support for those in crisis. Simply text SUPPORT to 741-741 or go to www.crisistextline.org to chat with them or message them on WhatsApp. Crisis Text Line International has a presence in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Find out how to contact them here.
Final Thoughts
It’s not easy being neurodivergent, but you are not alone. There are resources available to help you cope and live a happy, healthy life. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out for help using one of these resources above.
Remember, you are not alone. Someone is always available to help.