What is the neurodiversity-affirming approach to social skills?

In this blog, we’ll explore how neurodiversity-affirming therapy in Bethesda, MD and surrounding areas can support your social skills in a way that honors and celebrates your way of thinking and interacting with the world.

Neurodivergent people often approach social situations differently, and that’s okay. We’re here to help you embrace those differences and develop social skills that feel authentic to who you are.

Our neurodiversity-affirming approach is all about empowerment. We focus on helping you build social skills in a way that feels natural and comfortable for you. This could be learning how to navigate conversations, make new friends, or manage social anxiety.

We’ll work with you to develop strategies that fit your unique way of thinking. You’ll discover that you don’t need to change who you are to thrive in social settings. You just need the right support.

What are neurodiverse affirming social skills?

Neurodiverse-affirming social skills focus on building connections in ways that feel right for you. These skills are not about forcing you to behave or communicate in a way that doesn’t come naturally. Instead, they’re about helping you use your strengths to navigate social situations.

For example, if you feel more comfortable talking about specific interests, we help you lean into that. If eye contact or small talk isn’t your thing, we don’t push those as goals. The goal is to make social interactions feel more comfortable by honoring your brain and the way it works.

At Better Together Family Therapy, we know that socializing can be tough, especially if you’ve felt misunderstood in the past. Our affirming therapists help you find social strategies that feel safe and empowering.

Whether it’s learning how to express your thoughts in ways that make sense to you or understanding the social cues that matter most, we’re here to guide you without asking you to change who you are. Our focus is always on making social skills work for you, not the other way around.

What does neurodivergent masking look like?

Neurodivergent masking is when you hide or change how you naturally act in social situations. This could mean forcing yourself to make eye contact or pretending to be more outgoing than you feel.

You might also plan conversations ahead of time or copy what others do to fit in. While this can help you feel less awkward, it’s also tiring.

Masking is like wearing a costume that doesn’t quite fit. Over time, it can lead to burnout because you’re always trying to be someone you’re not.

At Better Together Family Therapy, we understand that masking is common for neurodivergent people. But it doesn’t have to be your only way of coping. We help you feel safe enough to stop masking and feel more confident being yourself.

You deserve to be accepted and understood without hiding who you really are.

How do I know if I'm masking?

Masking can sometimes feel like second nature. It’s when you change parts of who you are to fit in with others. Here are some signs that you might be masking:

• You imitate the behavior of others, even if it feels unnatural.

• Rehearsing conversations in your head before speaking.

• Avoid talking about your interests because others might not understand.

• You force yourself to make eye contact, even if it’s uncomfortable.

• Hiding stimming behaviors, like tapping your fingers or fidgeting.

• Feeling drained after social interactions, even with friends.

• You pretend to enjoy activities or conversations you don’t really care about.

What is neurodivergent stimming?

Stimming is a natural part of being neurodivergent. It happens when you repeat movements, sounds, or actions.

For example, you might rock back and forth, tap your fingers, or hum. Some people flap their hands or bounce their legs. Others might fidget with a toy or twist their hair.

Stimming can help you focus, calm down, or express excitement. It’s how many neurodiverse people manage their emotions and sensory input.

Some people don’t understand stimming, and that’s okay. But at Better Together Family Therapy, we see it as a healthy, helpful part of who you are. It’s not something to be ashamed of – it’s something to be embraced.

Ready to Thrive in Your Social Life?

Remember, you don’t have to change who you are to thrive socially. With our help, you’ll find strategies that work for you, making you feel more confident and connected in your social life.

You deserve to be seen and accepted for who you truly are. We’re committed to helping you achieve that. Our therapy for neurodivergent adults in Bethesda, MD is a great place for neurodiverse people to ask questions like “What is a neurodivergent burnout cycle?” and “What does it mean for a therapist to be neurodiversity affirming?”

If you’re ready to explore a neurodiverse therapy approach that celebrates your neurodivergent brain, contact us at Better Together Family Therapy. Let’s work together to make your social interactions as comfortable as possible!

Meet our Neurodiversity Affirming Therapists at Better Together Family Therapy

If you’re ready to explore how neurodiversity-affirming therapy can support your journey, we’re here to help! Reach out to Better Together Family Therapy and discover how we can work together to achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking for personalized support, practical strategies, or simply someone to talk to, we’re dedicated to making sure you and your family feel understood and empowered. Follow the steps below to start your path toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

• Reach out to us here so we can get to know your story better.

• Learn more about our approach at Better Together Family Therapy.

• Get started with a neurodivergent affirming therapist and reach your goals.

Other Services We Offer in the Bethesda, MD Area

At Better Together Family Therapy, we’re passionate about supporting people of all ages through a range of tailored services. We offer specialized tween and teen therapy designed to help them navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with confidence and resilience. Our SPACE treatment is here to provide effective support compassionately, helping children find their own resilience and cope with anxiety more effectively on their own.

We also offer couples and marriage therapy, where we work together to strengthen connections and resolve conflicts with understanding and care. Additionally, we offer LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, providing a welcoming and supporting environment where individuals can explore their identities and celebrate who they are. No matter what you’re facing, we’re here to help you and your loved ones find balance and thrive together.