Autism and ADHD
There is little agreement about the definition of Autism and ADHD, even amongst those responsible for providing a diagnosis. Diagnoses are based on identifying a number of behavioural traits but there can be many different reasons for a particular pattern of behaviour.
The symptoms of trauma are often prevalent, both from the trauma of feeling different and from being vulnerable to abuse as a result of going along with demands of others. Often there is childhood trauma from being part of a family with one or more parents with unrecognised Autism and/or ADHD.
It’s not surprising that there is little agreement about how Autistic and ADHD people might present when thriving, with good mental health, as so much of the focus is on associated issues. Many mental health problems result from the social pressures of trying to fit in, including a loss of your true sense of self. This sense of being weird and faulty can severely impact self esteem and self worth. Anxiety, depression and a 'busy brain' may become a way of life and you may also suffer with emotional overwhelm, exhaustion or burnout.
As an AuDHD person navigating life in a neurotypical world, there are some approaches that I have found much more effective in reducing the negative impacts and recovering the positive aspects of being AuDHD.
I find it helpful to reframe ‘symptoms’ and ‘diagnostic criteria’ as natural responses to brain difference. I focus on helping you understand how difference can shape your experience. For example, an understanding of how the brain’s predictive processing shapes our perception of the world can explain common experiences, such as fatigue, social difficulties, demand avoidance, sensory difference, need for routine and stims.
An Internal Family Systems Therapy informed approach can be really helpful in identifying and understanding parts of self that develop ways of protecting our difference. Parts often have to work exceptionally hard to ‘mask’ our difference since early childhood. Developing an understanding and compassion for all our parts can be transformative.
If you would like to explore more about this approach, please don’t hesitate to book an introductory chat with me.
