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drjoeylawrence
May 28, 2022
I am Dr Joey Lawrence, a 29-year-old psychologist. I have ADHD and autism. I was diagnosed with ADHD on my 29th birthday, (I don't really care for gifts, but stimulants are not the worst birthday present), and after being medicated realised I am also autistic. I am going through the formal autism diagnostic process now, which is an absolute privilege considering wait times are upwards of 2 years in some areas.
I have trauma from witnessing non-affirming practices and therapies with autistic people. I have intrusive thoughts and memories about things I had been encouraged to that I now see were harmful. How I studied formally psychology and neuropsychology for 10 years, worked as a psychologist for 6, and still did not realise I was autistic or a ADHDer. How that is the case baffles me. Looking back, I saw many, many therapists, described all the experiences that are common in neurodivergence, and was given strategies that did not work for me.
I haven't fully wrapped my head around all this, but I just wanted to say, there are lots of us out there. I am in a group of neurodivergent psychologists, and I find this incredibly helpful.
The next stage in my career will be carving out more pathways for people to get the support they need. I will use my education and position of power to help those that have less of a voice to speak out and get their needs met.