What Is Psychological and What Is Neurological? A Political and Phenomenological Exploration of Neurodivergent Identity and Encounters With Thirdness

Abstract

Abstract The authors, colleagues who are both neurodivergent, reflect on neurodiversity, diagnosis (both formal and informal), and their lived experiences as therapists and clients. They invite readers to think with them about the politics of identity and inclusion and ask whether neurodivergence is a disability, a difference, or both. They offer a bespoke approach to neurodivergence and consider the fine line between neurological and psychological understandings. The authors call for a decentering of neuronormativity in theories and practice and a liberation from the allure of normalcy. They place this within transactional analysis (TA) and its principles of OKness, social justice, openness, and mutuality. Finally, they highlight some limitations of the application of TA for neurodiversity and offer thoughts on an expanded treatment approach focused on phenomenology.