Using the Brain Science of ADHD as a Guide for Neuro-affirming Practice

By

Dr Kerry Chillemi

Supporting neurodivergent adults and children to navigate the world requires mental health practitioners to use a neuro-affirming and neurobiological approach to therapy. Most adult ADHD clients report having spent years navigating the mental health care system with little success due to treatment methods that are not designed to meet the cognitive needs of neurodivergent minds.

In this unique book, clinical psychologist Dr Kerry Chillemi, neurodivergent herself, explores the brain science of ADHD as a guide for neuro-affirming practice. Her approach uses embodied self-awareness to minimise the roadblocks that can prevent neurodivergent people from achieving their best lives. She makes liberal use of real-life client vignettes throughout that vividly illustrate concepts and enrich the reader’s appreciation and understanding of the neurodivergent mind. The many sincere voices of ADHDers lend considerable weight to the effectiveness of this guide in how best to achieve a neuro-affirming approach with clients.

Most adult ADHD clients report having spent years navigating the mental health care system with little success due to treatment methods that are not designed to meet the cognitive needs of neurodivergent minds. An ADHD brain is not wired the same way as a non-ADHD brain. Many of the mechanisms required to intuitively tune out environmental distractors, control impulses and sustain attention are dysregulated in ADHD.

An ADHDer is acutely aware of their differences energetically, physically, emotionally, and mentally, giving them a remarkable view of the world. There are moments when ADHDers feel confident, productive, inspired, and hyper-focused. Conversely, ADHDers can feel lost, exhausted, insecure, and overwhelmed with paralyses and inaction.

Kerry’s approach to therapeutic work with ADHDers supports building a healthy self-concept and an eagerness to learn. Chapter topics include:

• Self-Identity
• Self-Compassion
• Neuroception
• Fatigue
• Thought Processing
• Burnout

Applying a neuro-affirming approach in clinical and counselling practice embraces the many strengths and beauty of neurodivergence and its different manifestations of thinking. When we accept ourselves, we can remove the mask that makes us feel hidden, rejected, and disconnected. We can avoid the tragedy of neurodivergent individuals going through life disconnected from their brilliant minds because they see themselves as broken.

‘ One of the greatest difficulties expressed by ADHDers is the expectation of having to repeat their best day.’

‘I feel like my body is easily switched into action when I help others. I feel a great sense of pride when I have made a difference. Conversely, I sometimes feel a sense of apathy when it comes to doing something for myself. This pattern of being drawn to helping others can consume me to the point of exhaustion and eventuate in a lack of energy to pursue the things I want for myself.’

“As a psychiatrist specialising in ADHD, I highly recommend this book. Dr. Chillemi’s approach to ADHD is both insightful and accessible, bridging neurobiology with psychotherapeutic strategies in a way that is highly practical for both professionals and clients. Her ability to simplify complex neurobiological concepts, such as neuroception and automatic hierachy is impressive. For clinicians seeking a deeper understanding of ADHD and how neuroscience can inform a more compassionate, effective treatment approach, I believe this book is must-read. It will undoubtedly enhance the way professionals work with neurodivergent clients, helping them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD while empowering individuals to thrive.” — Dr Pradeepa Dasanayake, Consultant Psychiatrist, Melbourne.

About the Author

Kerry Chillemi is a clinical psychologist with a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology who has experience in the welfare, health, and private practice sectors. Kerry’s areas of expertise include anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and more. Kerry navigates the world as a neurodivergent person herself, which informs her neuro-affirming and neuro-biological approach to therapy with ADHDers. She developed The Functional Legacy Mindset approach to educate people on how different minds function (to embrace their strengths) and the legacy of such minds in terms of the benefits to society. The theory of this approach is grounded by the therapeutic benefits of embracing the authentic self, to promote a sense of purpose, in which clients feel empowered to embrace their unique strengths and abilities to contribute to society in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to them. Kerry’s personal journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child includes advocating for a paradigm shift towards research informed inclusive practices, respectfully encouraging empowerment and innovation for the good of all.

ISBN 9781923114067

Softcover, 114 pages

Released 2025