What’s a neurotype?
Thursday, December 6, 2023. This is for my new clients P & K, juggling ADHD and ND… Welcome to my practice!
If we could ever keep clinically apace with the consistent stream of discovery coming from neuroscience, then we’d eventually get up to speed in helping neurodiverse couples with an enhanced, and richer couples therapy experience.
Unfortunately, we’re not there quite yet.
The human genome is so richly complex, that is brings forth all sorts of brains that deserve to be respected and acknowledged. It’s so essential that as we incorporate this new brain science into clinical practice.
Can we remember to do so without privileging a certain way of being in the world?
Neurotypes associated with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, and the broader concept of neurodiversity highlight the diversity in cognitive processing and functioning.
Understanding these neurotypes can foster greater empathy and inform strategies for support and accommodation in science-based couples therapy.
Here's a brief discussion of a few prominent neurotypes that are problematic in couples therapy; ADHD, Dyslexia, and Neurodiversity:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder):
Inattentive Type: Individuals with this subtype often struggle with sustained attention, organization, and completing tasks. They may appear forgetful, easily distracted, and have difficulty following through on instructions or responsibilities.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: This subtype involves hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Individuals may fidget, struggle to sit still, interrupt others, and act without thinking about consequences.
Combined Type: Some humans exhibit symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. ADHD can impact various aspects of life, including academic, occupational, and social functioning.
Humans with ADHD may also demonstrate strengths, such as creativity, hyperfocus on areas of interest, and the ability to think outside the box.
Dyslexia:
Reading Difficulty: Dyslexia is primarily associated with difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with phonological processing, making it challenging to connect sounds to letters and recognize words.
Language Processing: Dyslexia can also affect language processing, impacting verbal memory, auditory processing, and language comprehension.
Visual-Spatial Skills: While dyslexia is primarily a language-based learning disability, some individuals may exhibit strengths in visual-spatial skills and problem-solving.
Dyslexia is not indicative of lower intelligence, and individuals often excel in areas unrelated to reading and language processing, such as creative thinking, artistic pursuits, or hands-on activities.
Neurodiversity:
Variety of Neurotypes: The concept of neurodiversity recognizes and celebrates the natural variation in cognitive functioning among individuals. It encompasses conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and much more.
Strengths-Based Perspective: Neurodiversity emphasizes the strengths and unique abilities of individuals with neuro-developmental differences rather than viewing them solely through a deficit model. For example, some neurodivergent individuals may excel in areas like pattern recognition, attention to detail, or divergent thinking.
Challenges and Accommodations: While neurodiversity highlights diversity, it also acknowledges that some humans may face challenges in certain environments.
Advocates for neurodiversity often emphasize the importance of creating inclusive and accommodating spaces that value different ways of thinking and processing information.
What is a neurotype?
According to the Brain-Informed Neurodiverse Couples Therapy Model, a neurotype is the nomenclature for a recognized constellation of brain characteristics. They may be a genetic inheritance (ADHD, ND, NT), or acquired (DT).
The term neurotype describes an actual, specific, neural topography. It’s not a theory, or a abstract, theoretical model. Neurotypes are concrete AF. A neurotype isn’t the map… it’s the territory.
The rise of the neurotype paradigm…
Neurotypes, a concept gaining prominence in the field of science-based couples therapy, offers a nuanced lens through which to explore and enhance couples' dynamics.
I’ll broadly discuss the science behind neurotypes and how they influence communication, empathy, and connection in romantic relationships.
Drawing on evidence-based research and practical insights, in these posts on neurodiversity, I’ll discuss ideas for both couples and couples therapists alike to become a bit more aware of the intricacies of neurodiversity in the realm of marriage and family life.
The Spectrum of Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity encompasses a spectrum of neurological variations, ranging from neurotypical (NT) to neurodivergent (ND).
While neurotypical individuals exhibit conventional patterns of cognitive and emotional functioning, neurodivergent individuals may have atypical neurological configurations, such as those found in conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity is fundamental to fostering inclusive and understanding relationships.
Beyond the Binary: Exploring Cognitive and Emotional Variances
Neurotypes extend beyond the conventional labels of neurotypical and neurodivergent.
Humans may exhibit unique combinations of cognitive and emotional variances that shape their personalities, preferences, and communication styles. Understanding these nuances is crucial for establishing a foundation of empathy and connection in couples therapy.
The Neurotypes Landscape: Implications for Science-Based Couples Therapy
Now that we have a foundational understanding of neurotypes, let's explore how these neurological variations influence couples' dynamics and the potential challenges they may present in relationships.
Communication Styles: Bridging the Gap
Effective communication lies at the heart of any healthy relationship. Neurotypes can significantly impact how humans process and convey information.
Neurotypical (NT) humans may prioritize verbal communication, while neurodivergent humans might excel in non-verbal cues. Effective couples therapy will focus on bridging these communication gaps to ensure that both partners feel heard and understood.
Empathy and Emotional Processing
Empathy, the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, is the bedrock of successful relationships.
Neurotypes influence how humans experience and express emotions, making it essential for couples to navigate these differences with sensitivity. A well-trained couples therapists will employ appropriately chosen, evidence-based interventions to enhance emotional processing and empathy within the relationship.
Neurotypes in Action: Practical Strategies for Couples Therapy
With a solid understanding of neurotypes and their implications, let's explore practical strategies in Brain-Informed Couples Therapy that effectively leverage neuro-scientific principles to foster understanding and connection.
Customizing Therapeutic Approaches
One size does not fit all in science-based couples therapy.
Tailoring interventions to align with the unique neurotypes of each partner enhances the effectiveness of the therapeutic process. Therapists can employ neuro-scientific assessments and tools to identify individual strengths and challenges, creating a personalized roadmap for each couple.
Building Neuro-Inclusive Communication Skills
Communication is a dynamic process influenced by neurotypes. A good couples therapists will guide couples in developing neuro-inclusive communication skills that accommodate the diverse ways partners process information. This may include incorporating visual aids, written communication, or sensory-focused strategies to enhance understanding and connection.
Embracing Neurodiversity in Intimacy
Navigating intimacy requires a deep understanding of each partner's neurotype.
Therapists can work with couples to explore how neurological differences may influence sexual intimacy, emotional expression, and vulnerability. By fostering an environment of acceptance and curiosity, couples can navigate these nuances to cultivate a fulfilling and supportive intimate connection.
Beyond Therapy: Nurturing Neuro-Inclusive Relationships
Brain-Informed Couples Therapy, while critical, is also just one facet of fostering neuro-inclusive relationships. Beyond the therapist's office, couples can implement strategies to embrace and unpack neurodiversity and strengthen their connection. I can help with that.
Education and Advocacy
Couples can engage in ongoing education about neurodiversity and advocate for awareness within their social circles. By promoting understanding and acceptance, couples contribute to creating a more inclusive society that values diverse neurotypes.
Establishing Neuro-Inclusive Rituals
Creating neuro-inclusive rituals within the relationship provides a structured framework for understanding and appreciating each partner's neurotype. This could include designated communication times, sensory-friendly activities, or shared mindfulness practices that cater to both partners' neurological preferences.
Final thoughts…
Neurotypes offer an essential framework for understanding the diverse ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world.
In couples therapy, integrating a neuro-inclusive approach can deepen connection, enhance communication, and foster empathy. By acknowledging and embracing neurodiversity, couples embark on a journey of self-discovery and mutual understanding that enriches their relationship and contributes to a more inclusive society.
This was a pretty surfacy discussion of a complex, relatively new idea in science-based couples therapy. I’ll continue to blog about specific neurotypes in upcoming posts in greater detail..
Be well, stay kind, and Godspeed.
