As a neurodivergent individual, the way I may interact with clients and cats is often different from those who are neurotypical. Neurodivergent individuals are those who have conditions that affect the way their brains process and respond to stimuli. For me, I have attention deficit disorder (ADD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

For me, being neurodivergent means that I sometimes have difficulty with social interaction, communication, and anxiety management. When it comes to interacting with you, my communication may come across as blunt or awkward, which can be off-putting. I often struggle with small talk and instead focus on the task that needs to be done to provide the best care for the animal. I find that I connect more easily with clients who have a shared love for their pets and who can communicate their needs directly.

However, as a neurodivergent person, I possess a deep focus and attention to detail that can be instrumental when working with cats. I am able to observe their behaviors and body language closely, which helps me better understand their needs and provide appropriate care. Additionally, my sensitivity to sounds and perceptions allow me to pick up on subtleties in a cat’s behavior, helping uncover underlying issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Being neurodivergent also brings a unique perspective to working with cats, allowing me to approach problems creatively and find new solutions that other consultants might not have considered. 

To be honest, you probably won’t even notice. I wasn’t even properly diagnosed until I was in my 30s. However, I choose to share my diagnosis with clients as a way of promoting awareness and understanding, as well as helping to remove the potential stigma attached to autism. Thank you for working with me!