Melissa thompson, LCSW
ADHD and neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a popular word used to describe those people whose brains develop or work differently than the "typical" person. About 15% of the population is believed to be neurodivergent. This is an umbrella term that includes those with ADHD, as well as those on the Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and other developmental and learning differences.
Some challenges that a neurodivergent teen or young adults might face include:
- Procrastination or struggling to start a task
- Fear of failure or wanting things to be perfect
- Social exhaustion or avoidance
- Intense special interests and hyper-focus
- Feeling misunderstood or rejected by others
- Feeling overstimulated (sounds, touch, smells, crowds)
- Gender non-conforming
- Daydreaming or zoning out often
- Self-esteem struggles
- Anxiety and depression
Research is improving and more people are being diagnosed at younger ages. Girls and women are now being correctly diagnosed and outdated stereotypes of ADHD and Autism are being challenged. There can also be an overlap of neurodivergent conditions, as well as having co-occuring mental health struggles.
Understanding your unique strengths and challenges and knowing how your brain is wired can help you navigate your path to success. My job as your therapist/coach is to help guide you to reach your defined goals. Goals can be small, such as passing a test or feeling more confident making a phone call, to larger goals, such as improving family communication or identifying and moving toward a desired career.
