Where my Neurodiverse peeps at??
This month, we’re all about neurodiversity! I live with ADHD and I’m passionate about helping other live better with Neurodiversity.
What is Neurodiversity?
"Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits."
"The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences."
“ While it is primarily a social justice movement, neurodiversity research and education is increasingly important in how clinicians view and address certain disabilities and neurological conditions.”
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645)
Top 5 Things To Know About Neurodiversity.
#1: Neurodiversity shows up in many different ways.
This is one of the frustrating things for neurodiverse individuals. Every single neurodiverse person experiences different challenges. That makes it difficult to get a diagnosis and then a care plan to help manage those challenges. There is no way to predict how a care plan will work for that individual, which results in a lot of trial and error. It can also make it difficult for neurotypical loved ones to understand what we are experiencing because there often simply isn't language to communicate it. I've been told, "You can't have ADHD, you're a doctor. How would you have gotten through all that school?"
#2: We have trouble regulating our emotions.
Emotions in neurodiverse people can be strong and overwhelming. At the core of most neurodiverse conditions, there is a breakdown in our nervous system's ability to regulate itself. That can lead our emotions to be inappropriately strong for the situation we find ourselves in. This manifests in "meltdowns", "crying jags", "temper tantrums", etc. Learning ways to recognize when your emotions are about to explode and when you need to step away to calm yourself is a key skill that neurodiverse people can learn and implement. Learning what calms you is also very important. If you are a neurotypical loved one, do not walk away from your neurodiverse person when they are disregulated. Just stay with them silently until it passes.
#3: Rejection is our biggest fear.
Neurodiverse people often experience "Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria" or RSD. We are hypersensitive to rejection in any form. This can make it difficult for us to form close relationships with others, trust our loved ones, take career or social risks, and enjoy social events. We have a outsized emotional reaction to rejection that can even manifest physically. Counseling can help us learn to recognize when RSD is coming into play and develop strategies to handle new situations or relationships where rejection is a possibility. Punishing neurodiverse people can be very damaging as they see that as rejection. It is important that any discipline is aimed at a specific behavior or error - NOT the person. Neurotypical loved ones, remind your neurodiverse person how much you care about them often. This will help them feel secure.
#4: Our brain's reward center is lacking.
Neurodiverse people lack the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Dopamine is the little treat our brain gives us for completing a task, getting a good grade, learning something new, etc. Because we lack dopamine, we look for other ways of getting it like sugar, buying new things, gambling, and playing games. Devising little rewards we can give ourselves can help motivate us to start tasks, complete tasks, keep up with self-care, even just get out of bed in the morning. Conventional wisdom tells us not to reward every little thing, but that isn't true for neurodiverse brains. We rely on external rewards to make up for the lack of internal rewards our brain has difficulty giving us.
#5: We get overwhelmed very easily.
Neurodiverse people often experience sensory issues. Our brains have trouble interpreting the incoming sensations and often turns the volume up way too high. This can manifest as light sensitivity, avoiding noisy areas, refusing to eat certain foods, or only wanting to wear certain clothing. Sensory issues are not always indicative of neurodiversity, however, most neurodiverse people experience them. Be patient with yourself or your neurodiverse loved one. Discuss strategies with your health team to ensure proper nutrition while allowing them to stick to your "safe foods". Recognize when you are getting overstimulated and speak up for yourself. Let those around you know that you need to go to a dark, quiet spot for a little bit. There is nothing wrong with these sensitivities and they can be worked with!
Resources To Help You "Neurodiverse"
HOW TO ADHD
YouTube channel run by Jessica McCabe "Most weeks I post a new video with tips, tricks and insights into the ADHD brain. This channel is my ADHD toolbox -- a place to keep all the strategies I've learned about having and living with ADHD. It's also grown into an amazing community of brains (and hearts!) who support and help each other. Anyone looking to learn more about ADHD is welcome here!"
TRANSLATING ADHD PODCAST
"Hosts Cameron Gott + Asher Collins are both ADHD coaches who have plenty of insight to share navigating their own ADHD experiences. Join us as we discuss how to live more authentically as ADHD people and how to create sustained change and achieve greater success as ADHD adults."
A RADICAL GUIDE FOR WOMEN WITH ADHD
Sari Solden, MS and Michelle Frank PsyD "A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD is the first guided workbook for women with ADHD designed to break the cycle of negative self-talk and shame-based narratives that stem from the common and limiting belief that brain differences are character flaws. In this unique guide, you’ll find a groundbreaking approach that blends traditional ADHD treatment with contemporary treatment methods, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to help you untangle yourself from the beliefs that have kept you from reaching your potential in life."
THE ASPIE PODCAST
Hosted by Dan Jones
"Hey I am Dan I’m autistic with a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, I talk about life experience, help and tips for autistic individuals to feel motivated and inspired. Also talking everything Autism and ADHD weekly! "
BALANCE AUTISM
Locations in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids Balance Autism provides Clinical Services, Community Services, Family Training, Group Homes, and Vocational Services for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
815 Tower Park Drive Waterloo, IA 50701
319-242-7642 or 1-888-2-AUTISM
Chiropractic and Neurodiversity
The root cause of most neurodiversity symptoms are a lack of executive-level function in our brain. The CEO is asleep at the wheel, so our nervous system struggles to regulate itself. When that happens we get sensory issues, big emotions, and difficulty with tasks.
Chiropractic adjustments turn the executive functions back on in our brain. Chiropractic adjustments "reset" the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments remove interference in the function of any part of your nervous system.
When we turn on executive function and allow the nervous system to run at full capacity, we allow better regulation of emotions, memory, sensory input, and decision making. This can help alleviate many of the day-to-day difficulties neurodiverse people face. My neurodiverse patients and I require weekly adjustments to keep our nervous systems and our bodies regulated. It's become a non-negotiable for us!