Affirming Counselling and Assessment for Neurodivergent Individuals

Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals and Families Across the Lifespan

“No brain is the same. No brain is the best. Each brain finds its own special way.”
— Edward Hallowell

At Island Clinical Counselling, we embrace neurodiversity and create a safe, respectful, and affirming space for clients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH), Autism, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS). Our team is committed to celebrating the unique strengths and experiences of every client, while providing practical and emotional support to individuals and families.

We aim to make our services more affirming by intentionally omitting the “D” from ADHD and ASD in our communications whenever possible.  We might use the D when referring to diagnosis for clarity. Our clinic is committed to a neurodiversity-affirming approach, emphasizing that individuals who are Autistic or have ADH are not disordered. Instead, their experiences are shaped by societal barriers. Our counselling focuses on supporting clients to adapt their environment rather than encouraging them to change themselves to fit into societal norms. Additionally, we prioritize developing skills aligned with each individual’s personal goals to promote their overall functioning and well-being.

We offer individual and group therapy for children, youth, and adults, and many of our services are eligible for Autism Funding Unit (AFU) coverage with prior approval.

Check out one of our podcast episodes about neurodivergence!

Psychological & Psychoeducational Assessments in Nanaimo

We offer access to autism, ADHD, and psychoeducational assessments in Nanaimo for children and adults through a Registered Psychologist.

• Available in North Nanaimo
• Assessment fee: $4,000
• New assessment referrals are temporarily paused until mid-September 2026.

We are currently updating our assessment referral process to provide clients and families with more support before, during, and following an assessment.

Please check back in mid-September for information about our new assessment referral pathway.

If you are currently looking for counselling support while considering whether an assessment may be right for you or your child, our Client Care Team can help match you with an ICC counsellor.

Contact our office: 778-762-3750 ext. 1

Booking your assessment:

• • Call our admin team at 778-762-3750 ext. 1
  • Text us at (778) 484-0597
  • Send us an email

ADH(D) Support and Coaching for All Ages

ADH is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, especially among women and gender-diverse individuals. Our counsellors understand the many ways ADH can show up in daily life: through challenges like forgetfulness, impulsivity, disorganization, mood swings, emotional intensity, or hyperfocus.

We provide ADH-informed counselling and coaching to support clients in understanding their brains and developing tools for success in school, work, and life.

ADH Coaching includes support for:

• Emotional regulation
• Organization and task management
• Creating daily routines
• Academic and workplace goals
• Self-acceptance and identity
• Minimizing distractions and overwhelm
• Using body doubling, visual cues, and “external brain” tools

Our ADH coaches and counsellors can also assist with gathering self-report data and creating letters of support for your physician or pediatrician.

Sessions are available in-person in Nanaimo or virtually across British Columbia.

Autism-Affirming Counselling for All Ages

We offer individual and group therapy for Autistic individuals of all ages, including self-identified Autistic adults and those exploring a new diagnosis. Our approach is affirming, strengths-based, and free of harmful or outdated models of care. We never aim to “fix” neurodivergence—instead, we honour it.

Therapists at ICC can support you in:

• Navigating the adult autism diagnostic process
• Exploring Autistic Identity
• Managing overstimulation, burnout, and masking fatigue
• Building self-advocacy and communication skills
• Writing support letters for assessment referrals

We also offer support groups for Autistic children, teens, and adults, providing community, understanding, and skill development in a welcoming environment.

Services for Neurodivergent Clients and Families

We provide a variety of counselling and coaching services tailored to neurodivergent individuals and their families:

• Individual therapy with Registered Clinical Counsellors or counselling interns
• Child and Youth Care Counselling
• Family and couples therapy
• Parent coaching and support
• Group therapy for youth and adults
• ADH coaching (for all ages)
• Advocacy support at school, medical appointments, and workplace settings

All services are neurodivergent-affirming, client-centred, and adapted to your unique needs.

Have an idea for a group or support you’d like to see? We’d love to hear from you.

Get Started with Neurodivergent-Affirming Counselling

Not sure who to book with? We’re happy to help you find the right fit.

• Call our admin team at 778-762-3750
• Text us at (778) 484-0597
• Send us an email