Existing as a Neurodivergent person in a Neurotypical world can certainly come with a number of challenges. As a Neurodivergent person myself, I can understand first hand how difficult it can be to take the first step in starting therapy. In being proudly and openly neurodivergent I hope to create comfort for my clients in the knowledge that I get it, the struggle is real.
Neurodivergent is a term for people who's brains work a little differently. A Neurodivergent person may have ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or a number of other differences that can bring a number of different strengths and struggles.
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If you are Neurodivergent you might relate to some of these:
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Sensory difficulties
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Sensory seeking by fidgeting, leg tapping, skin picking, eating
Sensory overwhelm caused by sensitivity to sounds, smells, lights, textures, temperatures. For example ticking clocks or scratchy fabrics (wool is a personal ick)
Difficulty in filtering out sounds in crowds
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Executive function challenges
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Trouble with initiating tasks or organising thoughts.
Difficulty prioritising and planning multiple steps in a process.
Losing, misplacing and forgetting things
May find self care difficult
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Transitions
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Difficulty transitioning between activities, leading to frustration or stress
Needing extra time to mentally prepare for changes
Difficulty adapting to changes in daily routines or unexpected disruptions
Feeling discomfort or anxiety when plans deviate from the expected
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Social Anxiety
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Feeling anxious in social situations due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding
Struggling with initiating or maintaining conversations
Difficulty decyphering social cues
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Hyperfocus
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Becoming intensely absorbed in a specific interest, sometimes to the detriment of other responsibilities
Finding it challenging to shift attention away from a focused task
May develop "special interests" and struggle to deviate from them (one of mine is mushrooms)
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Time Management
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Struggling with organising and managing time effectively
Difficulty transitioning from one task or activity to another
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These are just a few aspects of Neurodivergent life that may make life more challenging to navigate. However it is important to note that not every Neurodivergent person will experience things in the same way, or struggle with the same issues.
Accessing therapy can be a good way of making sense of your concerns and challenges, allowing understanding and self-compassion. Something I always encourage my Neurodivergent clients to do is find ways of using their difference to find that the things that make us different are in fact our greatest strengths.
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