Neurodivergence and Chinese Culture with Sharen Lui

Apr 6, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Sharen Lui, a neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist and director of Sprout Psychology, dives into the intricacies of neurodivergence within Chinese culture. She shares her journey of self-discovery and the significant role cultural identity plays. Sharen highlights the impact of language on perceptions of neurodivergence, the cultural pressures faced by neurodivergent women, and the challenges in accessing supportive healthcare. Her insights emphasize the need for culturally responsive mental health practices in diverse communities.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Embracing Neurodivergence in Cultural Contexts

03:06 • 15min

Understanding ADHD Terminology in Chinese Culture

18:00 • 2min

Cultural Perspectives on Neurodivergence: Chinese vs. Western Approaches

19:31 • 3min

Filial Piety and Gender Norms in Chinese Culture

22:27 • 7min

Cultural Pressures on Neurodivergent Women

29:56 • 20min

Understanding Neurodivergence Within Chinese Culture: A Journey of Support and Awareness

50:13 • 4min

This week Monique chats with Sharen Lui. Sharen is a neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and the Director of Sprout Psychology Melbourne. Sharen specialises in neurodivergence within Asian communities, supporting families with assessments, therapy, and culturally responsive mental health support.

Sharen and Monique cover:

What neurodivergence means to Sharen and the driving force behind establishing Sprout Psychology in Melbourne.
Sharen’s path to discovering her own neurodivergence and the role of her cultural identity in this process.
The impact of words and language on the perception of neurodivergence in Chinese culture.
The importance of meeting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) families and individuals ‘where they are at’ when working therapeutically.
How do Chinese cultural norms interact with the experience of neurodivergence? Sharen talks Monique through filial piety, gendered expectations for women, and behavioural norms around what it means to be a ‘mature’ adult within Chinese culture.
The layers of masking for neurodivergent Chinese folk.
Barriers to accessing culturally competent neurodiversity-affirming health care in Australia for neurodivergent Chinese folk, and Sharen’s work in this space.
Things to keep in mind when working with CALD groups.

Find Sharen at her Melbourne-based practice – Sprout Psychology. Monique and Sharen also gave a shout-out to LOAPAC (The League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues), which you can check out to find an affirming psychologist.

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