ADHD impacts dating by causing rejection sensitivity and risky behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding neurodiversity in kink for inclusivity and safety.
ADHD stereotypes overlook diverse experiences, hindering research on its broad implications in daily life, relationships, and emotions.
Balancing tasks in relationships with ADHD involves equitable division, communication, and support to navigate challenges and promote a healthier dynamic.
Deep dives
1. Impact of ADHD on Dating and Relationships
ADHD can influence dating and relationships, leading to challenges like rejection sensitivity affecting behaviors such as staying in unhealthy relationships or engaging in risky behavior. The need for conversations on neurodivergency in kink is emphasized to ensure inclusivity and safety. Relationships where one partner has ADHD can involve balancing parenting and dynamic roles, with advice focusing on advocating for needs.
2. Misconceptions and Stigma Around ADHD
Stigma exists around ADHD, with misconceptions centered on stereotypes of hyperactive boys, neglecting the diverse neurodivergent experiences. Challenges arise when research and understanding only focus on specific aspects like school or organization, overlooking the broader impact on everyday life, relationships, and emotions.
3. Managing ADHD in Household Dynamics
In relationships where one partner has ADHD, maintaining equitable distribution of household tasks can reduce resentment and foster mutual support. Communication and setting up visual reminders or systems for task management can help navigate executive function challenges. Supporting each other's strengths and addressing challenges together promotes a healthier dynamic.
4. Navigating Crushes and Intrusive Thoughts with ADHD
Managing crushes and intrusive thoughts with ADHD involves recognizing the impact of seeking novelty and excitement. Communicating openly about boundaries, using tools like writing letters to express feelings, and establishing mutual understanding can support healthy relationships. Addressing distractibility during intimate moments can involve creating ADHD-friendly environments and enhancing presence through communication.
5. ADHD and Kink Exploration
For individuals with ADHD, exploring kink can offer a structured and controllable environment for managing stimulation and excitement. The intersection between ADHD and kink participation suggests opportunities for self-expression and boundary setting within a consensual space. Kink can serve as a tool to navigate ADHD-related challenges and promote empowered intimate experiences.
6. Themed Work and Online Presence of Katie Osaurus
For those interested in learning more, Katie Osaurus shares sex education and kink content on TikTok and YouTube, while offering in-depth discussions on her podcast 'Katie and Eric's Infinite Quest.' Katie also engages in Dungeons and Dragons content creation, discusses accessibility and neurodivergency in TTRPGs, and streams on Twitch. Resources and information on her work can be found on Katieosaurus.com.
In this episode, Hannah is joined by Cate Osborn, who is a certified sex educator with ADHD, a mental health advocate and full-time content creator. Cate joins Hannah to talk about how typical understanding of ADHD has let down women and minority genders, having ADHD and dating, and how ADHD and kink can intersect. Cate unpacks rejection sensitivity and time blindness, discusses the relationship between ADHD and consent, and shares her opinion on why kink is a great tool for managing stimulation. Finally, Hannah and Cate discuss relationship dynamics where one person has ADHD and the other(s) doesn’t, the moral obligation to treat people with compassion, and how communication is crucial in all relationships.
