In an eye-opening episode of Rosabel Unscripted, I sat down with Brooke Garren, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Uniquely You Behavioral Health. As a neurodivergent individual herself—autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic—Brooke shared how she navigates a world not built with her in mind and how she helps others do the same. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s instructive. In this article, we dive into seven powerful takeaways that can help us all better support the neurodivergent community.
1. What It Really Means to Be Neurodivergent
The term neurodivergent refers to brains that process information differently than the perceived societal “norm.” It includes a wide range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, PTSD, and more. As Brooke explained, neurodivergence can be both innate (present from birth) or acquired (due to trauma, stroke, or illness).
Understanding this is the first step in challenging the harmful assumption that neurodivergent individuals are “broken.” They’re not. They simply engage with the world in different—and often remarkable—ways.
Learn more about neurodiversity in the workplace.
2. Reframing the Narrative: Different, Not Deficient
Too often, neurodivergence is framed as a flaw. Brooke reframes it as a difference—one that brings value, creativity, and unique insights. For instance, her ability to pick up on subtle emotional cues has made her a more empathetic therapist. “An autistic or ADHD mind is just a different mind,” she says. “It gives us the ability to look at things differently.”
3. Creating Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy Spaces
Brooke urges clinicians to stop viewing neurodivergent clients as people who need to be “fixed.” Instead, therapists should listen to self-advocates and ditch conformity-based models. For example, forcing eye contact or ignoring sensory needs can be deeply harmful. True healing comes from affirming who the person already is—not trying to mold them into a societal ideal.
Related: 7 Truths About Trauma Healing
4. Mentorship Can Be a Turning Point
Brooke’s transformation began when a college advisor challenged her to live up to her potential. That moment of belief changed the trajectory of her life. Today, she pays that forward by mentoring both neurodivergent clients and other clinicians. Encouragement matters. One honest conversation can alter someone’s future.
5. Workplaces Must Shift—Not Just Individuals
The unemployment rate among neurodivergent adults remains significantly higher than average. Brooke believes this is less about capability and more about environments that demand conformity. “Sometimes it's as simple as rethinking an onboarding binder,” she says. “Could this be offered as a video or audiobook?” Minor accommodations can create major shifts in employee retention and satisfaction.
6. Living Unapologetically as a Neurodivergent Person
Living authentically—“unapologetically you”—is one of Brooke’s core philosophies. She acknowledges that masking (hiding one’s true self to fit in) is exhausting. Her company name, Uniquely You Behavioral Health, reflects this mindset. As Brooke puts it, “Not everyone will like me—and that’s okay. Show up as yourself anyway.”
Related: The Hidden Secret to Healing
7. Creating Inclusive Systems for a Neurodiverse World
Through her second company, Affirming Minds Coaching and Consulting, Brooke advises businesses on how to integrate neurodivergent-friendly practices. Performance improvement plans (PIPs), for example, are typically designed to weed people out. But Brooke uses them to build people up—demonstrating how mindset shifts can transform workplace outcomes.
Conclusion
Supporting neurodivergent individuals doesn’t require dramatic overhauls. It starts with listening, adjusting, and affirming. Brooke Garren’s story reminds us that healing, growth, and success are all possible when we create environments that welcome—not reject—neurodiversity.
If you're a therapist, parent, educator, or employer, let this be your invitation to think differently. Visit Uniquely You Behavioral Health and Affirming Minds Coaching to learn more about Brooke’s work.
Tags: Neurodivergent, Autism, ADHD, Workplace Inclusion, Trauma Healing, Mental Health, Therapy, Diversity, DEI, Affirming Practices
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