Discover what NOT to do during your AuDHD journey! Explore the complex relationship between anxiety and neurodivergence, and why expecting zero anxiety can be unrealistic. Learn personal strategies for managing energy levels and avoiding one-size-fits-all advice. Embrace community involvement with new initiatives like 'office hours' for connection and resource sharing. This conversation emphasizes the importance of navigating your unique experience and savoring the growth that comes with it.
Acknowledging that low-grade anxiety is a normal aspect of neurodivergent life can lead to a healthier perspective on self-care.
Prioritizing personal insights over external advice fosters a richer understanding of neurodivergent identities and helps in navigating self-discovery.
Deep dives
Understanding Anxiety in Neurodivergence
Experiencing some baseline anxiety is typical for individuals with autism and ADHD, and aiming for zero anxiety may not be realistic or beneficial. Low-grade anxiety can serve as a signal, much like slight physical discomfort, indicating the need for self-care or caution in certain situations. For example, planning for transitions can help a person manage anxiety, but overly detailed planning may lead to greater distress if unexpected elements arise. Thus, it is important to recognize that while some anxiety can be a normal aspect of neurodivergent life, embracing it as part of the experience rather than attempting to eliminate it altogether may lead to a healthier perspective.
Navigating Advice and Self-Discovery
Navigating advice from neurotypical individuals can be challenging, as such guidance often does not address unique autistic experiences and needs. There is a significant emphasis on evaluating personal insights over external suggestions, highlighting the importance of listening to one's own lived experiences during self-discovery. It’s crucial not to conform to a single narrative or source of information, as diverse perspectives can provide a richer understanding of neurodivergence. Relying solely on one form of media or one person's viewpoint can lead to incomplete or misleading ideas about personal identity.
The Complexity of Giftedness and Personal Growth
Giftedness should not be viewed strictly in terms of conventional measures of intelligence; rather, it encompasses a range of capabilities, including complex thinking and emotional processing. It’s essential to recognize that struggles do not negate one’s abilities, as many neurodivergent individuals exhibit unique intellectual and creative strengths. Embracing one's multifaceted identity can facilitate personal growth and acceptance within neurodiversity. Additionally, approaching life changes gradually rather than attempting to address all issues at once can lead to more sustainable self-improvement.
What NOT to do in your AuDHD discovery process is just as important as knowing what to do! This episode interweaves nicely with last week's episode about what AuDHDers need.
This is hardly an exhaustive list, but it covers many of the patterns I've seen and heard in the community.