Written by Dr Sara Tookey
A True North Psychology Publication
Key Takeaways
Research on psychedelics and neurodivergence is in early stages
Recent studies show 23% of adults with ADHD symptoms self-treat with psychedelics
Recent studies show preliminary potential for improving challenges associated with ADHD, but more research is needed
Many landmark psychedelic clinical trials have focused on treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which may overlap with undiagnosed neurodivergence
Individual sensory processing differences require special consideration
Professional support and careful preparation are essential
Integration approaches must be adapted for neurodivergent needs
Comprehensive ethical frameworks must guide research, training and clinical practice
Summary
This article explores how psychedelics might affect people with ADHD and autism. While the research is still in it's infancy, we're seeing interesting patterns. Safety is y particularly. important since neurodivergent people often experience sensory information differently. Having professional guidance before, during, and after any psychedelic experience may be particularly important for neurodivergent individuals.
Recent research found that people with ADHD are nearly four times more likely to have tried psychedelics compared to those using conventional medication (Haijen et al., 2024) - highlighting an important pattern that needs further investigation.
A significant consideration is the overlap between treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and neurodivergence. Many major psychedelic clinical trials have focused on TRD, including landmark studies by Carhart-Harris (2021), COMPASS Pathways (Goodwin et al., 2023), and ketamine research teams. However, TRD and conditions like autistic burnout can present with similar symptoms while requiring fundamentally different treatment approaches. Research published in the British Journal of General Practice (White, 2019) emphasizes the importance of considering undiagnosed autism in TRD patients, making this relationship particularly relevant for the future of psychedelic therapy research and practice.
Note on possible connection between Autism and Treatment Resistant Depression - as relevant to psychedelic science research added 25/2/25.
If you like this article you might enjoy reading our other psychedelic-assisted therapy related articles:
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy, by Dr Sara Tookey
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration for Mental Health Professionals, by Dr Sara Tookey
Psychedelic Integration: What is it and who can benefit from it? by Dr Sara Tookey
Psychedelic Integration Tools and Techniques by Dr Sara Tookey
Psychedelic Preparation: What is it and who can benefit from it? by Dr Sara Tookey
Beyond the Hype: A Balanced Look at Psychedelic Therapy Risks by Dr Sara Tookey
Exploring the Psychedelic Renaissance: Psychedelic Therapy, a Crucial Conversation for Mental Health by Dr Sara Tookey
Key Terms Defined:
Introduction
The intersection of psychedelic therapy and neurodiversity is an important emerging area of scientific enquiry, with prominent research institutions examining how these compounds may impact neurodivergent individuals, particularly autistic and ADHD individuals. While research specifically focused on neurodivergent experiences with psychedelics remains limited, recent studies are revealing important insights about how these powerful compounds may affect neurodivergent individuals differently, and what this means for therapeutic support and integration.
Psychedelics and Neurodivergence Research:
Historical Context (1960s)
The relationship between psychedelics and neurodiversity research dates back to the 1960s, when researchers first explored LSD's effects on autistic adults and children. While these initial studies showed promise in improving social behaviour and reducing anxiety and depression, they also revealed important limitations and potential risks (Markopoulos, et al., 2022). This early work laid the groundwork for understanding the need for careful, individualised approaches to psychedelic therapy with neurodivergent individuals.
Recent Developments
Modern research has begun to approach this field with greater sophistication and rigor. A groundbreaking 2018 study at UCLA demonstrated that MDMA-assisted therapy could improve social confidence in autistic adults, with benefits persisting for months after treatment (Danforth et al., 2018). This research helped reignite scientific interest in how psychedelics might support neurodivergent individuals.
Current Research
Currently, King's College London is conducting the first systematic investigation of psilocybin in adults with autism. Led by Professor Grainne McAlonan, this landmark study is exploring how psilocybin affects serotonin pathway functioning in autistic adults, involving 70 participants receiving varying doses in carefully controlled settings.
In response to anecdotal reports of ADHD individuals self-medicating with microdoses of psychedelics, recent studies have expanded into examining microdosing effects on various neurodivergent conditions. Haijen and colleagues (2024) investigated microdosing compared to conventional medications in adults with ADHD.
Their research found that after just four weeks, people who microdosed experienced notable improvements in ADHD symptoms and emotional expression. Remarkably, those who microdosed scored below clinical thresholds on all ADHD measures, while those on conventional medication remained above threshold on most measures. The microdosing group was also nearly four times more likely to have prior psychedelic experience (82.2% vs 21.6%), suggesting a pattern worth investigating. While promising, these early findings need confirmation through controlled trials to rule out placebo effects.
Understanding How Psychedelics Might Work for Neurodivergent Brains
Scientists are discovering several ways psychedelics might affect neurodivergent brain function:
The REBUS Model: Loosening Rigid Patterns
According to the REBUS model (Relaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics) , these substances temporarily relax fixed patterns of thinking and neural activity (Carhart-Harris & Friston, 2019). For neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with deeply-engrained or rigid patterns, this flexibility could allow new perspectives and ways of experiencing the world.
Serotonin Pathways: Affecting Key Brain Chemistry
Psychedelics primarily work through serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences:
Mood regulation
Social interaction
How we process sensory information
Research suggests that differences in serotonin processing may contribute to some characteristics of autism (Muller et al., 2016). Psychedelics activate specific serotonin receptors (5-HT2A), which are linked to social understanding and sensory processing in autism (Martin et al., 2021).
Key Brain Regions: Targeting ADHD-Related Areas
Recent brain imaging research shows psychedelics affect the frontal and parietal regions - areas specifically involved in ADHD-related challenges (Ramos et al., 2024; Wojdas, et al., 2023). This suggests potential for addressing specific ADHD symptoms by influencing activity in these brain networks, though this research is still in early stages.
These emerging insights are helping researchers understand how psychedelics might benefit neurodivergent individuals in unique ways.
Safety Considerations: What Neurodivergent Individuals Should Know
When it comes to psychedelics and neurodivergence, safety and ethics are requires attention. While research suggests psychedelics are generally safe for many people, neurodivergent individuals need specific considerations:
Sensory Differences Matter
Neurodivergent people often experience sensory information differently. A recent study by (Evans and collegues, 2023) found that individual responses to psychedelics can vary significantly. What feels pleasant or manageable for one person might be overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities.
The Importance of Professional Support
Research consistently shows that having trained professionals and an appropriate setting are crucial safety components (Pilecki et al., 2021). This becomes even more important for neurodivergent individuals who may:
Process sensory information differently
Have unique communication needs
Benefit from specialised support strategies
Having knowledgeable guides who understand neurodiversity can make the difference between a healing experience and a challenging one.
Making Sense of the Experience: Integration for Neurodivergent Individuals
After a psychedelic experience, the process of making meaning and incorporating insights (called "integration") needs to be tailored for neurodivergent individuals. This requires understanding how psychedelic experiences interact with each person's unique sensory processing and communication style.
Creating Sensory-Friendly Support
Effective integration might include:
Explaining potential sensory effects beforehand
Adjusting the environment to individual comfort levels
Providing sensory tools like weighted blankets or adjustable lighting
Creating spaces that accommodate sensory needs
Communication and Processing Support
Since people process and express experiences differently, integration support should offer:
Multiple ways to express insights beyond just talking
Written options for those who prefer processing through text
Creative expression through art, movement, or music
Adjustable session lengths and pacing
The key is flexibility—allowing each person to process their experience in ways that work best for their unique neurology. A truly neurodiversity-affirming approach recognizes there isn't a one-size-fits-all method for integration.
Looking Ahead: Where Research Needs to Go
The intersection of psychedelics and neurodiversity represents an important frontier in mental health research. While early findings show promise, research remains in it's infancy. The most important needs going forward include:
Research designed with and by neurodivergent individuals
Studies that examine varied response patterns across different neurodivergent experiences
Development of protocols specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals
Long-term safety studies with diverse neurodivergent participants
For neurodivergent individuals interested in psychedelic experiences, the current evidence suggests three essential principles:
Thorough preparation with experienced guides
Professional support from providers who understand neurodiversity
Individualised integration approaches that honour sensory and processing differences
As this field develops, we need to ensure neurodivergent voices remain central to the research process. We'll continue updating this information as new studies emerge in this rapidly evolving area.
Note: Treatment-Resistant Depression and Neurodivergence
An important consideration in psychedelic research is the often-overlooked connection between treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and neurodivergence. This connection is particularly relevant as a substantial portion of modern psychedelic clinical research has focused specifically on demonstrating efficacy for treating TRD.
Several landmark studies exemplify this focus:
The 2021 New England Journal of Medicine study comparing psilocybin with escitalopram for depression (Carhart-Harris et al., 2021)
COMPASS Pathways' Phase 2b trial of psilocybin therapy for TRD, showing significant reductions in depression scores (Goodwin et al., 2023)
The RAPID clinical trials demonstrating ketamine's efficacy for TRD (Zarate et al., 2006; Murrough et al., 2013)
The FDA's breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin specifically for TRD in 2018
Recent evidence suggests TRD and conditions like autistic burnout can present similarly but require fundamentally different approaches. In fact, research published in the British Journal of General Practice highlights that "clinicians need to be mindful of the possibility of undiagnosed autism in all patients with TRD" (White, 2019). This observation has profound implications for psychedelic therapy, as treatments beneficial for neurotypical depression may not be appropriate—and could potentially be harmful—for someone experiencing neurodivergent burnout.
These conditions share overlapping symptoms but have distinct causes:
TRD is primarily a mood disorder resistant to conventional treatments
Autistic burnout results from chronic stress of navigating neurotypical expectations
Sensory processing differences in neurodivergent individuals may alter psychedelic experiences
This intersection has significant implications for psychedelic therapy safety, efficacy, and ethical practice. We'll be exploring this topic in depth in an upcoming blog post titled "The Hidden Connection: Psychedelic Therapy at the Intersection of Treatment-Resistant Depression and Neurodivergence."
References: White, M. J. (2019). Treatment-resistant depression: consider autism. British Journal of General Practice, 69(678), 14.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalised guidance.
We welcome your thoughts and reflections on this article.
Support Resources
Professional Organisations
The Autistic Psychedelic Community:
They offer a weekly meetings via Zoom on Sundays at 2pm (EST), 11am (Pacific Time), 7pm (GMT)
MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)
ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service)
The True North Psychology
At True North Psychology, we offer preparation, harm-reduction and integration support using a neurodiversity-affirming framework, inline with emerging research findings. Our approach:
Recognises neurological differences as natural variations
Works with, rather than against, individual processing styles
Maintains rigorous safety standards
Upholds protocols of good clinical practice
Our integration support considers:
Individual sensory needs
Personal communication preferences
Unique processing styles
Individual emotional regulation patterns
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References
References
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Bouso, J. C., Dos Santos, R. G., Alcázar-Córcoles, M. Á., & Hallak, J. E. C. (2022). Serotonergic psychedelics and personality: A systematic review of contemporary research. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 134, 104532.
Brun, G., et al. (2023). Sensory processing and social cognition in autistic adults following psychedelic experiences: An observational study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Danforth, A. L., Grob, C. S., Struble, C., et al. (2018). Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology, 235, 3137–3148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5010-9
Evans, J., Robinson, O. C., Argyri, E. K., et al. (2023). Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study. PLoS One, 18(10), e0293349. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293349
Haijen, E. C. H. M., Hurks, P. P. M., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2024). Effects of psychedelic microdosing versus conventional ADHD medication use on emotion regulation, empathy, and ADHD symptoms in adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A naturalistic prospective comparison study. European Psychiatry, 67(1), e18, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.8
Hartogsohn, I. (2017). Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 3, 2050324516683325.
Kuypers, K. P. (2024). Microdosing psychedelics in the treatment of ADHD and comorbid disorders. European Psychiatry, 67(S1), S7-S8. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.44
Markopoulos, A., Inserra, A., De Gregorio, D., & Gobbi, G. (2022). Evaluating the potential use of serotonergic psychedelics in autism spectrum disorder. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 749068. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.749068
Martin, D. A., & Nichols, C. D. (2021). The effects of hallucinogens on gene expression. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 36, 137-158.
Muller, C. L., Anacker, A. M. J., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2016). The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models. Neuroscience, 321, 24–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010
Murphy, R., et al. (2022). Therapeutic alliance and rapport modulate responses to psilocybin assisted therapy for depression. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 788155.
Pilecki, B., Luoma, J. B., Bathje, G. J., Rhea, J., & Narloch, V. F. (2021). Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1), 40.
Ramos, L., & Vicente, S. G. (2024). The effects of psilocybin on cognition and emotional processing in healthy adults and adults with depression: A systematic literature review. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 46(5), 393–421. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2024.2363343
Soares, C., Gonzalo, G., Castelhano, J., & Castelo-Branco, M. (2023). The relationship between the default mode network and the theory of mind network as revealed by psychedelics – A meta-analysis. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 152, 105325.
Wojtas, A., Bysiek, A., Wawrzczak-Bargiela, A., Maćkowiak, M., & Gołembiowska, K. (2023). Limbic system response to psilocybin and ketamine administration in rats: A neurochemical and behavioral study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(1), 100.
Online Resources
NIHR, Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre. (2022). NIHR Maudsley BRC researchers lead first study of psilocybin in adults with autism. https://www.maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk/posts/2022/may/nihr-maudsley-brc-researchers-lead-first-study-of-psilocybin-in-adults-with-autism/search
Wow what a fascinating article. Having been involved in a clinical trial I was always curious during it about how possible neurodiversity may impact on my own preparation and integration, as well as if there was neurodiversity at all or if the trauma accounted for all my 'issues.' I would definitely be interested in finding out more and being involved in helping think about set and setting and neurodiversity being discussed as part of being in a clinical trial involving psychedelics which are likely to affect the senses! I am also a counsellor and mental health practitioner working with neurodiversity.