Embracing Neurodiversity with Lila Low-Beinhart
In this enlightening episode, Jen sits down with Lila Low-Beinhart, founder of Divergent Paths Counseling, to explore her powerful journey as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual and her mission to bring neurodiversity-affirming care to the forefront of mental health.
Lila opens up about what it means to discover one’s neurodivergence later in life, sharing both the relief and challenges that accompany diagnosis. Her story is one of self-discovery, acceptance and advocacy—and it serves as a reminder that understanding how our minds work can be the key to healing.
Together, Jen and Lila unpack the importance of recognizing and embracing neurodiversity, the systemic barriers neurodivergent individuals face and the transformative impact of inclusive, affirming environments in schools, workplaces and beyond.
“Neurodiversity isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand and honor,” Lila explains. “When we shift from trying to change people to helping them heal from trauma, everything changes.”
Key Takeaways
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Neurodiversity describes the many ways people experience and interact with the world—differences that should be respected, not pathologized.
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Inclusive education allows neurodivergent children to thrive alongside neurotypical peers, fostering empathy and mutual understanding.
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A diagnosis can bring deep clarity, validating experiences and helping individuals make sense of their unique way of being.
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Neurodiversity-affirming care centers on healing trauma and building self-trust rather than “fixing” behaviors.
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Creating supportive workplace environments not only benefits neurodivergent employees but boosts creativity and productivity for everyone.
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Societal misconceptions about neurodiversity often lead to stigma—understanding is the antidote.
Episode Highlights
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[00:58] Lila’s origin story and early experiences
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[04:53] Understanding neurodiversity
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[09:43] The importance of inclusive education
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[19:55] The role of neurodiversity-affirming care
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[29:48] Addressing societal challenges and misconceptions
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[35:01] Advice for individuals and parents
Practical Advice from Lila
For those who suspect they may be on the spectrum, Lila encourages self-compassion and curiosity—to learn, reflect and seek community rather than rushing toward labels. For parents of autistic children, she emphasizes acceptance and understanding, urging families to celebrate differences and create environments where every child feels seen and valued.
Resources:
Lila’s Website https://www.divergentpathscounseling.com/
Lila’s Workshop Booking https://www.divergentpathscounseling.com/booklila
Embrace Autism Website https://embrace-autism.com/
Connect:
https://www.instagram.com/divergent.paths.counseling/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-low-beinart-48469658/
https://www.facebook.com/DivergentPathsCounseling/
Jennifer Ginty
Podcast Host/Founder of My Moody Monster
Jennifer is a single mom and entrepreneur who lives with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder from childhood trauma. Throughout her life, Jen has learned valuable coping skills and has made it her mission to help others to better understand their own emotions.
Jen has faced obstacles in her healing journey - from becoming a mother without a healthy parental model of her own to overcoming her inner saboteur while coping with the symptoms of CPTSD and Depression. She has spent the last 4 years developing My Moody Monster - a pull apart plush toy that has helped children to get out their frustrations in a safe way and giving families a tool to talk about emotions and communication.
Jen believes by sharing her own story she can help others to know they are not alone. Her YouTube channel features her Moody Talks focusing on an emotion each month and teaching coping skills that have helped her with her own mental health.
After being featured on multiple mental health and parenting podcasts, Jen had a powerful realization: her story of pushing away the hard work of facing her trauma was just one journey, and there are countless other journeys out there—each just as important and impactful. This is what inspired her to create "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now", a space for exploring the many different paths we take in life.
What It Takes To Heal with Andy Campbell
