Terms such as “neurodiverse” and “neurodivergent” were introduced in the 1990s by autistic sociologist Judy Singer, as an alternative to deficit-based language, such as “disorder.” Singer highlighted notable strengths of many individuals in the autistic population that include abilities to focus, recognize patterns, and remember factual information. A “neurodivergent” person refers to someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals. These people may have learning disabilities, attention deficit and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome. Through a neurodiversity lens, such conditions reflect different ways of being that are all normal human experiences.

It is estimated that as many as 1 in 6 people today are neurodivergent, potentially impacting their emotional, social, and/or academic growth.

Christy Burch Occupational Therapy creates individualized programs to address each client’s specific needs based on evaluation outcomes.  All sessions are conducted one-on-one, with only one occupational therapist and one client working in the room, in order to eliminate distractions.  This approach combines intensity, duration, and frequency for positive results.  Specialized treatment sessions combine traditional occupational therapy practices, with sensory integration techniques, creating fun and therapeutic activities that address each client’s sensory-motor needs.