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Connect and Grow Magazine: Edition 11 July- August 2024
With the focus of this month's magazine on changing seasons, I took the time to stop and think about how those who live with some neurodivergent traits such as ADHD can be very much like the changing seasons. one minute hyperfocused and all in on one thing and then it changes to something new, each time wholly committed to that task, activity. Change for those with ADHD can be easier than for those who are Autistic.
Those who have traits of autism do not like change. Change is extremely unsettling and, in many cases, can lead to a meltdown., which is why if you work with anyone who is autistic or has autistic traits and you change something, it is essential to prepare them for that change.
While they still may experience some anxiety and may required to stim during the shift, in many cases, with the proper support, they can adapt. This is different for each person, so it is important to get to know the person.
Once a neurodivergent person understands that the change is safe, they can adapt to the new situation; this does take time.
Those who live with Autism and ADHD, who have a job or maybe study or even a full-time parent ( which is also a job in itself) often find that changes in their environment can sometimes be welcome, but there is always a period of adjustment. Now I hear you say, as has been said to me many times, that we all go through a period of adjustment to change, and yes, whilst that is true, it is also very different.
A person who may be considered Autistic or has ADHD and may not have a diagnosis has a brain that processes and responds to information very differently than a person who doesn't have those traits/diagnoses. There is a different neural pathway in the brain for the information to travel, and there is a separation in the brain.
A neurodivergent person can take the information on board and then process it at high speed; however, connecting it to points of reference or thinking through every possible scenario takes time and depending on which traits the person has the most will determine if they respond or react, it will also determine if the information has been processed literally or in a metaphoric way, which means there are often multiple ways to interpret the data.
Both Autism and ADHD impact the person's sensory processing, which can include Light, sound, environment, visual, touch, taste, and smell. Every aspect of processing information is impacted in some way, which means that the person may become overwhelmed, affecting how much information they can take in and process.
So when a situation changes for a neurodivergent person, they must process every aspect of the problem. Depending on how they are feeling at the time and what else is going on, they may have an emotional response, or they may have a detached reaction; in some cases, that will be the end of it and in other times, they may take a long time to process it, depending on how much support they have, and what is occurring for them at the time.
Supporting a loved one or friend who is neurodivergent does require having a level of understanding and patience that may test your patience at times; however, know that in some cases, it is a lot harder for the person, especially someone independent in their life, they are living with the traits every day and as someone who is neurodivergent I can share it is challenging at times for myself and my family and friends. However, I have found having awareness is helpful; it is also sometimes overwhelming, but it is part of life, and it is what is considered my "Normal".
The more we can see that the person's traits are what is being displayed and how they process information and then respond or react, the better for everyone. The person also has other characteristics and is who they are: an extraordinary person with a heart and soul.
Written by
Jacqui Grant
If you would like support in the workplace to create a neurodiverse, inclusive workplace, reach out. I offer this.
I have also written two books on neurodiversity.
Book an initial call: https://calendly.com/breakfreeconsultancy/discoverycall
(C) 2024 Break Free Consultancy
Disclaimer: All information is correct at the time of publication. Always seek the right support and services from the right person for your unique situation.