196 Embracing Neurodiversity: My Journey Continues to Unfold

Embracing Neurodiversity: My Journey Continues to Unfold I may have dropped a bombshell in episode 191. I apologize and I provide more information in this episode. My understanding about neurodivergence has really expanded, and I'm recognizing myself in some new and unexpected ways. I share some insight, education, and how this expands my work with neurodivergent people with new understanding. I also talk about how I see this impacting the podcast and my work with clients. HIGHLIGHTS Learn to have more conversations about neurodiversity and inclusivity, rejecting finite labels and embracing different ways of showing up in the world. Understand the relief and acceptance upon receiving a diagnosis or deeper understand of how you're wired Acknowledging the diversity within autism and reject stereotypes. Instead learn about the importance of understanding the lived experiences of autistic individuals. Explore the intersection between highly sensitive people and autism, suggesting similarities and possible overlaps. Learn more about masking and support needs, highlighting their own experience as a high masker with low support needs. Acknowlege the controversy and differing opinions within the autistic community and HSP community about the origins and the intersection (if there is one). Understand a personal anecdote about social awkwardness and sensory issues during a breakfast gathering, emphasizing the need for self-advocacy and self-care strategies. Identify the personal challenges, feelings of not being understood, and the importance of compassion and support from others. Appreciate the connections made with other autistic individuals and therapists, highlighting the support and shared experiences within the neurodivergent community. PODCAST HOST Patricia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Coach. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other HSPs know that they aren't alone, and that being an HSP has amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for HSPs that focus on understanding what it means to be an HSP, self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors us LINKS Resources UPDATED AUTISM RESOURCES YouTube Could you be Autistic (and not know) Video Yo Samdy Sam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot46-YGUF4Y... 10 Autism Signs you need to know Paige Layle (content starts at 1:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfKH7-GM3aM Autistic MASKING: how do we do it and should we stop? Yo Samdy Sam https://youtu.be/t9COmZ2HwXY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6uTEoBHHF4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvZVOlVnQW0 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzske-KMAJYQn84rz6oD_yA https://www.youtube.com/@autismfromtheInside Online Tests and Quizzes https://embraceasd.com/tests/ Pre-diagnostic/Self-assessment quiz for autism https://www.aspietests.org/raads/... Pre-diagnostic/Self-assessment quiz for autism https://rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php... Adult autism assessment for people socialized as women https://taniaannmarshall.wordpress.com/.../adult.../... Females & Asperger's: A Checklist - https://the-art-of-autism.com/females-and-aspergers-a.../ Steve Asbell's Autistic Masking Quiz https://misslunarose.home.blog/.../25/steve-asbell-aq-r/... Collection of Tests Related to Autism & Asperger's: https://aspietests.org/... A Neurodiversity Paradigm Breakdown of the DSM-5 Criteria for Autism https://autietraumageek.medium.com/a-neurodiversity... Should you seek an autism diagnosis or not? Trauma Geek Facebook Post from Nov. 4, 2020 (with a couple added links): Let's talk about adult diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. What's the point? 1. Educational accommodations 2. Disability benefits 3. Specialized support 4. Finding your NeuroTribe 5. All of the above If you're looking for 1 or 2, medical diagnosis is necessary. If you're looking for 3 or 4, self-diagnosis is completely valid. Many neurodivergent people do both - There is a self-discovery process first, and then they seek medical diagnosis. Medical diagnosis is a privilege. It is not accessible to all neurodivergent people. It is expensive and emotionally taxing under the best of circumstances. If you pursue medical diagnosis, there is a high chance that your doctor will not be informed about the neurodiversity paradigm or masking. They may not see you as autistic or ADHD because their training involved a very narrow stereotype of these neurotypes. You may need to ask if your doctor is willing to look at the newest research and learn along with you, or you may want to refer them to a...