Specialist Therapy
AuDHD-Affirming Therapy
Therapy that truly understands the intersection of autism and ADHD — a space where your neurodivergent identity is not a problem to be solved, but the foundation of who you are.
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD refers to the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD — two neurotypes that are increasingly understood to overlap significantly. Research suggests that around 50–70% of autistic people also meet the criteria for ADHD, and vice versa.
Yet despite how common this combination is, AuDHD is still poorly understood in many clinical settings. People with AuDHD often find that their experiences do not fit neatly into either the autism or ADHD box — and that standard approaches to therapy do not quite fit either.
AuDHD-affirming therapy is designed specifically for this. It acknowledges the complexity and uniqueness of the AuDHD experience, and adapts the therapeutic process to work with your brain rather than expecting you to adapt to a neurotypical model.
A distinct neurotype
AuDHD is not simply "autism plus ADHD". The two conditions interact in complex ways, creating a unique profile that is often misunderstood — even by clinicians.
Internal conflict
Autism often drives a need for routine and predictability, while ADHD pulls toward novelty and impulsivity. Living with both can feel like being pulled in opposite directions simultaneously.
Masking and burnout
Many AuDHD people become expert maskers — hiding their differences to fit in. This is exhausting and often leads to burnout, anxiety, and a fractured sense of identity.
Late or missed diagnosis
Because AuDHD presentations are complex and often atypical — particularly in women, girls, and non-binary people — many people reach adulthood without ever receiving an accurate diagnosis.
"You do not need a diagnosis to deserve support. You just need to be here."
— Maria Hartshorn, Resonance Counselling
Is This Therapy Right for You?
AuDHD-affirming therapy may be a good fit if any of the following resonate with you:
- You have a formal diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or both
- You are self-identified or awaiting assessment
- You have been told you "don't fit the criteria" but still identify as neurodivergent
- You received a late diagnosis and are processing what that means
- You are experiencing burnout, exhaustion, or a loss of identity
- You struggle with masking and the toll it takes
- You want therapy that works with your brain, not against it
- You are exploring your identity as a neurodivergent person
How I Work
AuDHD-affirming therapy is not a rigid protocol — it is a flexible, person-centred approach built around you.
No diagnosis required
I work with your lived experience. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access AuDHD-affirming therapy — self-identification is valid and welcome.
Adapted to you
Sessions can be structured or open, shorter or longer, more visual or more verbal — whatever helps you feel settled and able to do meaningful work. We discuss this together.
Sensory awareness
I am mindful of sensory needs in how sessions are set up — lighting, noise, movement, and the option to work online from your own environment.
Neurodivergence as identity
I do not treat your neurodivergence as a problem to be managed. We explore it as a core part of who you are — with its own strengths, challenges, and meaning.
Trauma-informed
Many neurodivergent people carry significant trauma — from years of masking, misdiagnosis, or simply not being understood. I hold this with care throughout our work.
Practical and emotional
We can work on both the emotional dimensions of neurodivergence — identity, shame, grief — and practical strategies for executive function, burnout recovery, and daily life.
Areas We Can Explore Together
Every person's experience of AuDHD is different. Our work together will be shaped by what matters most to you. Common areas include:
About Maria
Why I Specialise in AuDHD-Affirming Therapy
I am Maria Hartshorn, a BACP accredited counsellor and psychotherapist based in Havering, Essex. My work with neurodivergent clients has grown from a deep conviction that the therapy world has historically failed to serve autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD people well — offering approaches that were designed for neurotypical minds and expecting everyone else to adapt.
I believe that effective therapy for neurodivergent people must start from a place of genuine understanding and respect for neurodifference — not tolerance of it. That means adapting how I work, not expecting you to adapt to me.
Session length
50 minutes
Fee
£75 per session
Available
In-person (Havering) & Online
Ready to Find Out More?
A free 15-minute introductory call is a relaxed, no-pressure way to ask questions and see if we are a good fit. There is no obligation to book further sessions.