I'm Maike Preißing (she/her), a 20yo neurodivergent psychologist from Germany. In 2019, I graduated from Leopold-Franzens University in Innsbruck, where I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, along with additional training in psychotherapy. Most of my clinical work experience comes from Austria, where I supported adults with mental health problems and neurodivergence.

I had an amazing opportunity to join a team conducting field research on female sexual health in the Papuan highlands of Indonesia. This experience further fueled my passion for studying us humans!

Today I focus on neurodiversity, particularly autism spectrum condition and synaesthesia. I am an autistic synaesthete myself, with over 10 forms of synaesthesia, and find this topic endlessly fascinating. But it’s also overlooked a lot. That's how synaesthes_a was a born, a digital space for syneasthesia art, resources, and community.

Driven by the incredible stories I've heard there, I launched my podcast Let's Talk Synesthesia where I invite synaesthetes and scientists from around the world to discuss neurodiversity and synaesthesia. Through the podcast, I realized the need for support and information for late-discovered neurodivergent adults. While synaesthesia is not considered a pathology (rightfully so), it can come with challenges such as sensory processing difficulties, feelings of alienation or a desire for self-understanding. Other neurodivergent conditions like Autism & ADHD can be a lot to navigate. There is little known about the intersection, which I want to change.

Having personally faced mental health challenges as a neurodivergent individual, I understand the value of having someone by your side on that journey. I'm passionate about using my clinical expertise, personal experience and time to help others lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Maike