TPP 336: Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Diagnoses and Misdiagnoses (It’s Complicated!)

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, is a clinical psychologist specializing in the support and empowerment of neurodivergent adults through her expertise in neurodivergent affirming care and assessments. She comes on the show to talk about the complexity of diagnosis and the why’s behind the misdiagnoses. 

We dive deep into the assessment process and why so many people slip through the cracks when seeking a diagnosis, why it’s important to get clarity around a child’s wiring in order to provide them with support that will be meaningful and affirming, why identifying one’s neurodivergence (either through self-identification or a medical diagnosis) matters, and the kind of trauma a person can experience when they go through life without a diagnosis. 

Dr. Megan Anna Neff is a clinical psychologist based in Oregon, specializing in the support and empowerment of neurodivergent adults through her expertise in neurodivergent affirming care and assessments. Megan Anna has co-authored two books and published in several peer-reviewed psychological journals. Her forthcoming book, Self Care for Autistic People, exemplifies her dedication to providing accessible resources for the neurodivergent community. 

Things you'll learn from this episode

• The difference between a self-diagnosis and a medical diagnosis
• How the COVID pandemic influenced the influx of adults discovering their neurodivergence
• What Misdiagnosis Mondays is and how and why Megan Anna created it
• Why it’s important to tease out the core or underlying issues when a child is struggling with multiple neurodivergences and/or mental health challenges
• The kind of trauma a child can experience when they go through life without a diagnosis
• How we can support our kids in getting back to a baseline if they have built up trauma in their systems
• How to identify and vet neuropsych evaluators who take a neurodivergent affirming approach to the assessment process

Resources mentioned 

• Megan Neff’s website
• Megan Neff on Instagram at @neurodivergent_insights
• Megan Neff’s membership community
• Megan’s infographics, workbooks, and resources
• Self-care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask! by Dr. Megan Neff
• Dr. Jonathan Dalton, Center for Anxiety & Behavioral Change
• Dr. Devon Price and Unmasking Autism (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

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