EMDR, Autism + ADHD
EMDR can be a powerful and effective therapy for processing the emotional impact and experience of living with Autism and ADHD, but it often needs to be adapted to suit different ways of processing, communicating, and experiencing emotions.
Trauma and distress can show up differently in neurodivergent people, and traditional therapeutic approaches don’t always account for this.
EMDR, when tailored appropriately, can help untangle the impact of past experiences, reduce emotional overwhelm, and support a more regulated nervous system.
Why Trauma Can Feel Different for Autistic and ADHD Brains
Neurodivergent people often experience trauma differently from neurotypical people, both in how it’s processed and how it shows up in day-to-day life.
This isn’t just about "big T" trauma like accidents or abuse—it can also be the chronic stress of living in a world that isn’t designed for your brain. Some common themes include:
Masking and camouflaging – The lifelong effort of suppressing autistic or ADHD traits to fit in can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a deep sense of disconnection from oneself.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) – Common in ADHD, RSD causes intense emotional pain in response to perceived rejection or criticism, which can be linked to earlier experiences of being dismissed or misunderstood.
Emotional flooding and shutdown – Both autistic and ADHD people may struggle with emotional regulation, making it difficult to process and move through distressing experiences in the way traditional therapies assume.
Because of these unique challenges, neurodivergent people may carry trauma that has never been fully recognised as such.
EMDR can provide a way to process these experiences, reducing emotional reactivity and helping to untangle deep-seated distress.
How can EMDR be adapted for neurodivergent brains?
While EMDR follows a structured process, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. For neurodivergent people, adjustments are often needed to make the therapy feel safe, accessible, and effective. Some of these adaptations might include:
Slower pacing – Many neurodivergent people need more time in the preparation phase, building regulation skills before jumping into trauma processing. Rushing can feel overwhelming and dysregulating.
Adjusting communication styles – Some autistic individuals may prefer a more direct, structured approach, while others need more time to process emotions before putting them into words.
Sensory considerations – Bright screens, unexpected noises, or strong emotions can be overloading. EMDR can be adapted to ensure sensory comfort—this might mean using lower lighting, reducing screen exposure, or using predictable, rhythmic movements.
Addressing interoception differences – Many neurodivergent people have difficulty sensing internal body signals (like hunger, tension, or emotions). EMDR can incorporate external cues or metaphors to help bridge this gap.
Focusing on identity-related trauma – For many neurodivergent people, trauma isn’t just about isolated events—it’s about a lifetime of being misunderstood, excluded, or forced to "fit in." EMDR can be used to process the emotional impact of these experiences, allowing for a deeper sense of self-acceptance.
The Bottom Line
EMDR can be an effective therapy for autistic and ADHD individuals, but it works best when adapted to their needs. If you’re neurodivergent and considering EMDR, it’s important to work with a therapist who understands these differences and can adjust the process accordingly. The goal isn’t just to "get rid" of distress—it’s to help you feel more at home in your own mind and body.
Check out FAQ's about EMDR here:
Individual therapy (inc. EMDR): £95 per session