How to Thrive After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis

How to Thrive After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis

Receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis as an adult can feel like being handed the missing piece to a lifelong puzzle. It’s a mix of relief, validation, and a dash of “Well, that explains a lot!” If you’re like me, you might have spent years feeling like an outsider, wondering why certain things seemed more challenging than they were for others. Now, with your new diagnosis in hand, it’s time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment Understanding Your Diagnosis: Embrace the ‘Aha!’ Moments Acknowledging the Past When I first received my diagnosis, it was like watching the end of “The Sixth Sense” for the first time. Everything suddenly made sense. Those struggles in school, the social faux pas, the sensory overloads – it all…

How Imposter Syndrome, RSD, and Masking Come Together to Create the Sh*t Storm Trifecta

How Imposter Syndrome, RSD, and Masking Come Together to Create the Sh*t Storm Trifecta

Living with neurodivergence can feel like navigating a minefield of complex emotions and experiences. Among the most challenging are imposter syndrome, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and masking. These three can combine to create a perfect storm that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Let’s explore how these elements intertwine and offer practical strategies for managing them. Understanding Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud, despite evident success and achievements. It’s like being cast as the lead in a play, but constantly fearing the audience will discover you’re just pretending. The Root of Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome often stems from high expectations and self-doubt. For neurodivergent individuals, societal pressures and misunderstandings can amplify these feelings. You might constantly question your capabilities,…

Building Self-Esteem as a Neurodivergent Person: Embrace Your Uniqueness

Building Self-Esteem as a Neurodivergent Person: Embrace Your Uniqueness

Building self-esteem as a neurodivergent person can feel like navigating an obstacle course with moving parts and a blindfold. With societal norms often clashing with our unique ways of thinking, it’s easy to feel out of place. But let’s flip the script! Embracing your neurodivergence can be your superpower, giving you strengths and perspectives that the neurotypical world desperately needs. As a late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic mom, I’ve learned a thing or two about self-acceptance. Let’s dive into some practical advice peppered with a bit of 80s/90s nostalgia and heart with humor. Understanding Self-Esteem and Neurodivergence Self-esteem is the perception we have of our own worth. For neurodivergent individuals, this perception can be influenced by societal expectations and the pressure to conform. But remember, being…

Lessons from 80’s and 90’s Video Games: Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids

Lessons from 80’s and 90’s Video Games: Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids

The 80s and 90s were a golden era for video games, bringing us classics like “Super Mario Bros.,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” These games weren’t just about entertainment; they also offered valuable life lessons that resonate with the experiences of neurodivergent kids. Let’s dive into the pixelated worlds of our favorite retro games and uncover strategies that can help neurodivergent children navigate their own adventures. Introduction: The Power of Video Games Embracing the Game of Life Video games have always been more than just a pastime. They challenge us, teach us resilience, and often mirror real-life scenarios in their own unique ways. For neurodivergent kids, the lessons learned from these games can be incredibly impactful, providing strategies for problem-solving, coping with…

Neurodivergent Friendly Life Lessons from Studio Ghibli Movies

Neurodivergent Friendly Life Lessons from Studio Ghibli Movies

Images used are copyright to Studio Ghibli and are being used with permission: https://www.ghibli.jp/works/ Studio Ghibli movies have a magical way of blending fantasy with real-world wisdom. For neurodivergent individuals, these films offer not only captivating stories but also valuable life lessons that resonate deeply. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli and explore some neurodivergent-friendly life lessons that can inspire and empower us. Embrace Your Unique Journey: “My Neighbor Totoro” The Power of Imagination In “My Neighbor Totoro,” Satsuki and Mei find solace and joy in their magical adventures with Totoro. Their vivid imaginations help them navigate challenging times, offering a beautiful reminder of the power of creativity and imagination. For neurodivergent individuals, embracing imagination and creativity can be a powerful tool…

Embracing Your Unique Strengths as a Neurodivergent Individual

Embracing Your Unique Strengths as a Neurodivergent Individual

In a world that often focuses on fitting in and conforming to the norm, being neurodivergent can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, neurodivergence is not just about the difficulties; it’s also about the unique strengths and abilities that come with it. Embracing these strengths can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered life. Here’s how you can celebrate and leverage your unique strengths as a neurodivergent individual. Understanding Neurodivergence What Is Neurodivergence? Neurodivergence refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. It encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Recognize that neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity. It’s not about being “less than” but about being different in ways that bring…