The Neurodiversity Circle

So, I'm a part of The Neurodiversity Circle now.

This means that I have joined a group of humans who are trying to shift the way our society cares for kids and teens who are neurodivergent. These are kids and teens whose brains work in an atypical fashion... kids who have Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, etc.

I remember having a very powerful conversation with Founder Tara McDonnell as she was shaping up the concept of this neuro-affirming virtual space for therapists, professionals and parents. She explained, with some wonder, that neurodivergent folks were drawn to her therapy practice, Rising Lotus. She was professionally smitten with her newly hired therapist, Sami Wallshein, who was connecting with neurodivergent kids in an unexpectedly powerful way. Tara was envisioning a paradigm shift... from "fixing" the "deficits, to affirming the authenticity, of neurodivergent kids and teens.

Tara's face glowed. And, she launched The Neurodiversity Circle (TNC) in February 2026.

Tara and Sami are planning to present the fruits of their labor at the 2026 state conference for play therapists. Tara also expanded the Rising Lotus Team to include a new therapist, Peyton Sills. TNC kicked off with a launch party and will be hosting a Round Table Discussion in March 2026. There's also a nifty Forum, for neuro-affirming discussions about how best promote inclusion, connection and safety.

Tara is building something beautiful for the 15% to 20% of people who identify as neurodivergent.

I see a lot of neurodivergent kids and teens in my office. I support their neurodivergent parents. I know first-hand that the world is not built to suit them, or in many cases, even support them. They have to find ways to stim, without being noticed. They pay hefty ADHD taxes. They spend twice as long on tasks that take most of us half the time. They have to find confidence and courage, when their neurotypical peers judge them to be too much... or too little... or too weird... or too... or too... or too...

So, I'm part of The Neurodiversity Circle. Check it out. You could be a part, too.