Empowering Neurodivergent Lives: Support for Parents, Late-Diagnosed Neurodivergent Adults & Teens in Orange County

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Understanding Neurodivergence and Its Impact

Being neurodivergent means thinking, learning, and processing the world differently.

Whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence, these differences come with unique strengths and challenges.

Yet, individuals who learn and think differently are met with misunderstanding and judgment.

They are often seen as disordered or defective.

This is especially true in Asian cultures, where the concept of neurodivergence is little known and highly stigmatized.

Neurodivergent children and adults are often called “lazy,” “stupid,” or “not trying hard enough”.

The emotional scars of these experiences can run deep, leading to shame, anxiety, and a lifetime of feeling “not good enough.”

If you’ve experienced this personally, or as a parent, you are not alone.

I’m here to help you make sense of what it means to live as or love someone who is neurodivergent.

Together, we can rewrite your life story to acknowledge the challenges while celebrating the unique strengths that neurodivergence brings.

Dr. Nina Nguy, PsyD, PMH-C is a Clinical Psychologist in Orange County providing therapy and support for people who are neurodivergent and their loved ones.

My Personal Connection to Neurodivergence

My introduction to the world of neurodivergence came from my middle son.

I am a mother to a bright, loving, dyslexic, and ADHD child.

I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the steep learning curve of trying to educate myself about his neurodivergence.

I also know about the guilt over false accusations of his lack of effort before he was diagnosed.

I’ve felt the grief of realizing my child’s path will be different from what I expected.

And I’ve experienced the joy of watching him embrace his differences and thrive in ways I could never have imagined.

Learning that dyslexia and ADHD are highly hereditary, I got myself tested and was formally diagnosed with ADHD, too.

This identification changed my life - for the better!

Everything fell into place, and finally made sense.

My experience with my son fueled my passion to help other parents of neurodivergent children.

My personal experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD adult draws me to other late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults to help them process and heal from false accusations about lack of motivation and effort.

I understand the cultural stigmas, the guilt, the grief, and the fierce love that drives parents to want better for their children.

I also understand the pain of adults who were shamed or misunderstood and now carry those haunting words into adulthood.

Who I Help

  • Parents of Neurodivergent Children

    As a parent, discovering your child is neurodivergent can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You may feel grief over the loss of a “normal” childhood, frustration at not knowing how to help, and a deep fear for your child’s future. At the same time, you may feel immense love, pride, and a desire to empower your child to thrive. I can help you:

    • Process your feelings of grief, guilt, or overwhelm.

    • Understand your child’s unique brain and how it works.

    • Learn how to advocate for your child in educational and social settings.

    • Develop strategies to celebrate and nurture their strengths while addressing their challenges.

Together, we’ll work to break the cycle of shame and misunderstanding so your child can grow up feeling confident and valued for who they are.

  • Late-identified Neurodivergent Adults Who Were Bullied or Shamed

    If you grew up in a world that didn’t understand your neurodivergence, you may carry lingering scars from being misunderstood, dismissed, or ridiculed. These experiences often lead to self-doubt, anxiety, or depression—feelings that can persist well into adulthood. I can help you:

    • Heal from the shame and emotional wounds caused by past experiences.

    • Develop self-compassion and a renewed sense of self-worth.

    • Reframe your narrative to see your neurodivergence as a strength.

    • Build tools to navigate challenges in your personal and professional life.

It’s never too late to heal and reclaim your confidence.

  • Neurodivergent Teens and Young Adults Growing up neurodivergent in a world that often doesn’t understand you can feel isolating. Many teens and young adults struggle with depression, anxiety, and a fear of never “fitting in.” These challenges can make it hard to see a bright future.

I can help teens and young adults:

    • Navigate the emotional challenges of being “different.”

    • Build self-advocacy skills to stand up for their needs.

    • Develop resilience and confidence in their unique abilities.

    • Learn coping strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.

Together, we’ll focus on helping them see their worth, embrace their strengths, and create a future that feels hopeful and fulfilling.

My Approach to Neurodivergent Support

I bring a compassionate, culturally sensitive, and empowering approach to working with neurodivergent individuals and their families.

I understand the cultural barriers that may make it difficult to accept or talk about neurodivergence—especially in Asian communities.

My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can explore your unique experiences and challenges.

In our work together, I draw on a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: To explore how past experiences shape current thoughts and feelings.

  • Strength-Based Therapy: To help you identify and build on your unique strengths.

  • Relational Therapy: To improve communication and connection with those around you.

While I don’t work with children directly, I’m here to support parents in becoming the confident, informed advocates their children need.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Stigma

For too long, neurodivergent individuals have been blamed, shamed, and misunderstood.

This is especially true in Vietnamese culture, which prizes academic achievement and conformity over individuality.

My mission is to help families and individuals break free from these harmful cycles, so neurodivergent people can live with dignity, confidence, and joy.

Whether you’re an adult seeking to heal old wounds, a parent navigating the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child, or a young adult learning to embrace your differences, I’m here to walk this journey with you.

Ready to Feel Understood and Be Supported?

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward acceptance, healing and empowerment.

You are not alone. Reach out for support

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