
I'm Neurodivergent. What Does That Mean?

As a neurodivergent individual, Laura interacts with clients and cats in ways that may differ from those who are neurotypical. Neurodivergent people have conditions that affect how their brains process and respond to the world. Laura has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
For Laura, being neurodivergent means she sometimes struggles with social interactions, communication, and managing anxiety. Her communication style might come across as blunt or awkward, which can be off-putting to some. She finds small talk challenging and instead focuses on providing the best possible care for each animal. Laura connects most easily with clients who share a love for their pets and communicate their needs clearly.
However, Laura’s neurodivergence also brings unique strengths to her work with cats. She has a deep focus and keen attention to detail, which help her observe feline behaviors and body language closely. This allows her to understand their needs better and identify subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Her heightened sensitivity to sounds and changes helps her pick up on nuances in a cat’s behavior. Additionally, her unique perspective enables her to approach challenges creatively, often finding solutions others may not consider.
In most cases, clients might not even notice these differences. Laura wasn’t formally diagnosed until her 30s. She chooses to share this information to promote awareness, encourage understanding, and help reduce the stigma surrounding autism. She is grateful to clients for trusting her to care for their beloved pets.
