The Neurodivergent Mind
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population.
When a person’s brain functions differently than the “typical” human brain (also called neurotypical), they are know as neurodivergent.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects, a staggering, 139 million people worldwide.
Although ADHD begins in childhood, some people may not be diagnosed until they are adults. Due to the wide variety of ways that ADHD shows up in a person’s life, it is important to work with a professional to determine if ADHD may be part of your story.
There are three main types of ADHD, inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Common traits include:
Inattentive
making careless mistakes
being easily distracted
being hyper-focused, especially when you find something interesting
difficulty concentrating and staying on task
forgetting things and/or losing or misplacing belongings
leaving a “trail” behind you, such as a trail of dishes or clothing
cleaning your room to perfection and then having it look like a bomb went off two days later
Hyperactive
interrupting
impulsivity (acting without thinking)
excessive movement, constant fidgeting
difficulty sitting still
talking excessively
difficulty concentrating on tasks
Combined
a combination of traits from the categories listed above
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in every day life. When those around you don’t understand your unique traits, it can derail relationships, cause self-doubt, and lead to anxiety and depression. If you, or someone you love is struggling with the challenges of ADHD, I can help.
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or having traits of OCD can negatively impact a person’s daily life. Unwanted thoughts and/or fears, called obsessions, cause intense anxiety and distress. When the stress gets overwhelming, compulsions (repetitive behaviors or thoughts you feel driven to do) relieve the pressure and provide reassurance.
Unfortunately, these compulsions can begin to take over your life. Obsessions and compulsions are wide and varied. Here are some of the more common situations:
Obsessions
fear of dirt or germs
needing things to be orderly and balanced
having difficulty with uncertainty or “shades of gray”
scary or aggressive thoughts of hurting yourself or others
unwanted thoughts, especially relating to subjects of religion, sexuality, and violence
Compulsions
washing and cleaning
checking
counting
reassurance activities
following a strict routine
OCD symptoms get worse during times of stress and/or life transitions. If you’ve been living with the pain of OCD, please reach out. There are effective treatments that can help you live a life unencumbered with obsessions and compulsions.
HSP - Highly Sensitive Person
What is a highly sensitive person? Highly sensitive people are more aware of and affected by their surroundings.
Having a higher sensitivity to sensory input is a biological personality trait. Although being a highly sensitive person is not a disorder, it can make life more challenging.
See if the following examples resonate with you:
Overstimulation
you find yourself overwhelmed with too much stimulus (people, light, sound, textures)
one minute you’re enjoying a stimulating event or activity, and the next you’re heading for the hills…alone.
small talk drains you
Depth of Processing
you have high levels of empathy for others
your inner world is deep and rich
you spend a great deal of time in your thoughts
you think deeply about things
Emotional Intensity
you seem to feel things more intensely than those around you
you dislike violence in movies and are careful about the media you view
sometimes it seems you can feel other’s emotions
Sensory Sensitivity
You notice subtle changes in your environment
You may be more sensitive to pain and/or temperature
I can help you to understand what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP).
We’ll work together to find solutions to the challenges you may face in relationships, work, parenting, and general daily living.
