161 - Different, Not Broken: Rethinking Neurodiversity with Lila Low-Beinart
Manage episode 524490648 series 3063140
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with psychotherapist and neurodiversity educator Lila Low-Beinart for a powerful conversation on what true inclusion looks like from the inside out. Lila shares her lived experience as a neurodivergent clinician, the roots of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and how understanding—not fixing—is the foundation of belonging. Together they explore trauma, masking, Buddhist psychology, productivity myths, and the societal forces that shape how we value people. This episode challenges us to rethink “normal,” embrace difference, and take meaningful steps toward creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding First – Inclusion begins with deeply understanding someone’s lived experience before taking action.
Different, Not Broken – Neurodivergence is difference, not deficiency, and therapy should support identity rather than “fix” traits.
Masking Harms – The pressure to appear “normal” leads many neurodivergent people to mask, which is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
Productivity Reframed – Neuro-affirming productivity focuses on flow, ease, and sustainability—not hours worked or capitalist expectations.
Normalize Difference – The concept of “normal” is historically constructed; a truly inclusive world values every person’s unique way of being.
Lila Low-Beinart’s definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is first understanding a person’s lived experience so you truly see what they need, and then taking intentional action to remove barriers and create spaces where they can fully belong and participate.
Lila Low-Beinart’s Bio:
Lila Low-Beinart [Lye-La Low Bay-Nart] is a psychotherapist, consultant, and neurodiversity educator who brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy and runs specialized training programs for therapists and organizations. Her work supports clinicians in becoming the most effective and skillful version of themselves, and guides organizations to build truly affirming environments.
Connect with Lila Low-Beinart:
Website: https://www.divergentpathscounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivergentPathsCounseling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divergent.paths.counseling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-low-beinart-48469658/
SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 68
No - 91
☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad
Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates
Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad
165 episodes