Do you feel different, misunderstood, and does your life seem more complex than others’?
Graphical description of an individuals unique profile of neurodiverse qualities.
If so, it is possible that you could be neurodivergent.
I discovered my own neurodivergence slowly, over many years. First I had to come to terms with how one of my kids needed to be parented, and how their responses were different from what I expected. It took me over a decade before I finally accepted and embraced it. My life is now much different. For example, I can allow myself to rest, not only when I have done everything I think needs to be done, but as an imperative, a way to take care of myself.
It has been a drip-by-drip process of introducing myself to the ND world view, and understanding how my ND brain is wired. It has offered me much freedom and joy, and I am continuing to learn.
Being neurodivergent has meant that I lived most of my life thinking I was working on a different operating system than I was. Can you imagine trying to be productive on a PC, while using Apple commands? No wonder I experienced burnouts!
Burnout and suicidality is more common in ND people. Depression can be a side effect of living an ND life in an NT world, in particular if you are unaware. This is my guiding light in how I parent. I aim to teach the life skills that supports ND mental health. Not understanding why things don’t function as easily as it does for others can throw us into a loophole of working harder-and-harder, and still things may not turn out as expected.
Below is a link to my page with resources related to neurodivergence. I have included relevant terminology, general thoughts and references to external resources that I consider the most useful - articles, podcasts, books, videos, some graphics, and societies that champion specific causes.
You may find that you identify with several of the labels mentioned. Don’t panic if you do! Labels are useful to the extent that they help provide us with self-awareness; understanding our needs and how we can satisfy them. They are not useful when they lead to judgment, boxing people in, or any form of ‘othering’. Just keep learning, pick the stuff you find affirming and validating your experience and your unique set of needs so you can live the best life possible. Life often starts to make sense when we understand who we are, and how to interpret the people around us. ND people tend to attract and thrive in the company of other ND peeps.
Please share with me other resources that you love! <3 I will continue to add as new things come up.
Have fun, and remember to breathe, eat and stretch as you sink into the fabulous ND rabbit hole!
“If only I was
a little bit better
At the things I’m not good at
Then I could start to
Enjoy my life
If only I was
The way I think I need to be
Then I could finally be free”
Please head over to my resource page by clicking on the button below for more!