Neurodivergent: Navigating the Mental Health Issues
What it means to be neurodivergent is often misunderstood. The term describes individuals whose brain processes, learns, or behaves differently from what is typical. This term covers many conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Although the term is becoming more common, many people still misunderstand it. They may not know what it means or the unique challenges of being neurodivergent.
Being neurodivergent does not mean there is a disorder or problem. It shows the natural differences in how people think and act. This view helps us see differences in a new light. Instead of seeing them as problems, we can view them as part of the rich variety of human experience. These individuals may have a higher risk of mental health issues. These can include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. This is often due to how their brains process information and interact with the world. For example, people with autism may have trouble with sensory sensitivities. Those with ADHD might find it hard to manage tasks. This can create challenges in their daily lives.
Understanding neurodivergence and its associated comorbidities is essential for providing effective support. Conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often co-occur with other mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, research suggests that these individuals may be more prone to experiencing panic attacks or struggle with emotional regulation. Understanding these connections can lead to better therapy methods. For example, occupational therapy helps with sensory processing issues and daily activities.
Read on to learn more about neurodivergence and the common comorbidities that affect individuals.
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What does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
In the 1990s, autistic sociologist Judy Singer introduced this term as an alternative to terms such as “disorder.” Today, these terms describe someone whose brain processes information differently than a neurotypical brain.
The following disorders fall under this umbrella:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
“Neurodivergent” refers to people with intellectual or learning disabilities. It is often used for those with ADHD or autism. People who are neurodivergent process information differently. This can put them at a higher risk for some mental health issues.
Neurodivergent & Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Sensory Processing
Anxiety
About 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. ADHD and anxiety are commonly comorbid, as anxiety can impair executive function and vice-versa. When someone feels anxious, it can be hard for them to focus on tasks. They may feel even more anxious about their deadlines if they cannot finish their work.
Anxiety is also more common in autistic people. Autistic individuals may have a higher chance of experiencing anxiety disorders. This can be due to their strong attention to detail, sensitivity to sensory input, and challenges in social situations. Changes in routine, unfamiliar places and sensory stimuli can all trigger anxiety in autistic people. Being unsure of how to navigate social interactions can also cause autistic people to struggle with social anxiety.
When anxiety and ADHD occur together, treatment can be different. It is essential to understand the challenges of treating both disorders simultaneously.
Depression
According to Simons Powering Autism Research (SPARK), about 40% of autistic adults have had depression. Those with ADHD and autistic people both struggle with emotional regulation. They might feel emotions more strongly than others. This can make it harder for them to handle feelings of depression. Struggles with executive function can make depression worse for people with ADHD. They may find it hard to feel motivated to finish daily tasks.
Neurodivergent people also struggle with interoception, or being able to tell what is going on internally. Interoception allows us to understand what our bodies need, such as if we are hungry or tired. Those with poor interoception skills may struggle with something called alexithymia. Alexithymia is used to describe when a person cannot identify their own emotions. This is more common in the neurodivergent community as it relates to interoception. Due to the way their brains process information, treatment for depression may differ for neurodivergent individuals compared to neurotypical individuals. Medication may affect them differently, and some therapies may not be as effective when one struggles with alexithymia.
Trauma
Autistic people are more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than neurotypical people. The increased risk of PTSD can be due to several reasons. Autistic people often face traumatic experiences. These can include bullying, sexual abuse, and struggles in social situations. They may also deal with the loss of a loved one. An autistic person may experience certain situations as being traumatic that someone else may not. Autistic people struggle with sensory difficulties. Loud sounds and crowded environments may cause sensory overload and trauma for autistic people.
Being forced to mask one’s autism in public may also be traumatic. Masking is when a person with autism behaves like those without autism. They do this to fit in or be accepted by others. When an autistic person masks, they are forced to ignore their own sensory or social needs. This can feel incredibly distressing and lead to burnout. There is not much research on which treatments help neurodivergent people with PTSD. However, trauma-informed mental health professionals should understand their clients’ unique needs. They should also create a safe space for clients to express themselves fully.
Sensory Processing
Sensory processing differences are a hallmark of many neurodivergent conditions, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People with autism may experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, and smells, which can lead to sensory overload. Increased sensitivity can cause other mental health issues. This includes problems like anxiety or panic attacks. These can happen when things feel too overwhelming.
For people who struggle to process sensory information, occupational therapy can help manage these challenges. Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop coping strategies, such as using noise-canceling headphones or creating sensory-friendly spaces. These interventions can significantly improve daily functioning and reduce the impact of sensory sensitivities on mental health.
Research suggests that sensory processing issues are not limited to people with autism. Individuals with ADHD, dyspraxia, and intellectual disabilities may also experience sensory challenges, though the manifestations can differ. Recognizing and addressing these sensory differences is crucial in providing comprehensive care and support.
About Therapy & Psychiatry at Council for Relationships
Council for Relationships Staff Therapists, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists specialize in working with neurodivergent clients. They care deeply about helping people improve their quality of life. They also assist with managing psychiatric medication, especially for those with complex medical conditions.
We are currently accepting new clients for individual, couples, family, and sex therapy, along with psychiatry. Get matched with a CFR Therapist or Psychiatrist today!
More from CFR: From Neurodivergent to How to Play the Role of Mental Health Caregiver
Are you looking for more blogs and resources about neurodivergent topics? Do you want to learn more about mental health conditions, including signs and symptoms of common conditions? Do you experience anxiety too frequently or need advice on how to help your child who finds it difficult to concentrate in school? Our blog offers expert advice and mental health tips from the Council for Relationship Therapists and Psychiatrists.
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