Someone close to me has just been diagnosed with

[Louis1895]

1. Your friend should look for a neurodivergent-affirming therapist.

After years of therapy (going back to first grade), my highly-intelligent daughter was diagnosed as being on the "autism spectrum" in her early thirties (within the last three years). The diagnosis has been very helpful in explaining many issues (largely interpersonal skills). She has finally found a therapist who is also on the autism spectrum so my daughter is receiving help from someone who understands why she is "different" and is helping her move forward with life. (Right now, my daughter is house-bound because of anxiety.)

One place to start is this website: https://ndtherapists.com (a Neurodivergent Therapist directory).

In the past, when I brought up the possibility that my daughter was on the spectrum to her therapists, they pooh-poohed the idea, saying it mostly affected boys and that she did not exhibit typical characteristics (that were largely based on the study of boys). We finally went to a therapist who suggested my daughter was autistic (without my prodding). She has been officially diagnosed by a psychologist who specializes in autism testing, and this result has opened new doors for my daughter.