Neurodivergent Therapists is a grassroots project created by Amelia Galier Slama and Charisse Galier Louis.
In 2021, Amelia learned that she was neurodivergent after being diagnosed as autistic and ADHD. She began studying the neurodiversity movement and it’s history in relation to autism rights and disability rights. While Amelia was learning this history, her mom (Charisse) realized she was also neurodivergent. As two late-identified women, this explained many of the challenges they faced throughout their lives and why they always felt different than others.
Amelia had been a licensed counselor for several years at this point and decided to open her own practice to offer affirming services for neurodivergent adults in Ohio. When she opened her practice, she realized that it was very hard to find other providers who were open about being neurodivergent and offering affirming services.
Amelia and Charisse began exploring the idea of creating an online directory for neurodivergent providers, as Charisse is a web developer. When they initially created the directory in May 2021, they had no idea how fast it would grow. It started with a handful of providers in Ohio and quickly grew to include providers across the United States, Canada, and several additional countries.
Charisse completed the initial back end development of the directory and taught Amelia how to maintain the directory moving forward. Amelia now maintains the daily tasks of the directory, including reviewing applications, adding new providers, updating current listings, and managing the contact form.
Amelia and Charisse continue to explore ways to improve the directory over time, including responding to the changing safety needs within our community given the current climate in the US.
Are you a provider interested in joining the directory? Click Join the Directory to appy.
Are you looking to find community through professional trainings, groups, or events? Check out our Community page.
Interested in supporting our project? Click PayPal to contribute.