Psychedelics and Neurodiversity with Dr. WaiFung Tsang, DClinPsy
About this episode
In this episode, Dr. WaiFung Tsang, DClinPsy joins to discuss the intersection of psychedelics and neurodiversity. Dr. Tsang is a clinical research psychologist from Hong Kong, musician, and student of Shipibo curanderismo. He is the co-founder of Onaya, an organisation dedicated to bridging Indigenous tradition and Western science, and research advisor for psychedelic veteran charity Heroic Hearts Project.
In this conversation, Dr. Tsang explores the emerging intersection of psychedelics and neurodiversity, reframing neurodivergence as a context-dependent spectrum shaped by biology, culture, and lived experience. Drawing on clinical work with autistic individuals, veterans, and athletes, he discusses how psychedelic states may temporarily induce experiences similar to neurodivergence—heightening sensory processing, altering cognition, and expanding perception—and how these states manifest differently for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation highlights early anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggesting potential benefits for social connection, attentional regulation, and emotional processing, while emphasizing the need for more rigorous studies. Dr. Tsang also underscores the importance of thoughtful accommodations in psychedelic settings, noting that many best practices for supporting neurodivergent participants—clear structure, sensory tools, and intentional environments—ultimately improve outcomes for all participants.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- How neurodiversity and neurodivergence are defined across cultural and clinical contexts
- The overlap between autistic sensory processing and psychedelic perceptual states
- Why psychedelics may shift autistic experiences toward more cognitive or structured processing
- Early findings on psychedelics and ADHD, including impacts on attention, impulsivity, and mental "chatter"
- The role of MDMA and other psychedelics in enhancing social connection and reducing social anxiety
- How group settings and shared ceremonies may uniquely benefit neurodivergent individuals
- Practical considerations for making psychedelic experiences more accessible and sensory-informed
- Why many "neurodivergent accommodations" are simply good practice for all participants
Quotes:
"Every autistic individual is so different and every autistic individual can be so vast and varied in their presentation." [8:57]
"For the autistic participants that come and join in our studies, we have a tendency to see a lot of more cognitive experiences or cognitive-based experiences." [15:57]
"One thing we have been finding is especially people who are autistic can benefit more from the community aspect within psychedelic experiences." [20:05]
"[In Shipibo ceremonies] there's no touching, no talking—it's very autistic friendly. You get to be in your own space. You get to be together but not be together." [35:16]
Links:
United Freedom Collective on Instagram
United Freedom Collective on Spotify
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