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About ADHD and Autism

There is growing research on these topics specific to the experiences of women. Autism and ADHD revolve around executive dysfunction. We may need help to focus, concentrate, control our emotions & impulses, and spark self-motivation. There is no shame in having a neurodivergent brain. The information summarized below is intended for educational purposes only.

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About ADHD

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts children and adults. It does not go away with time or maturity. The three distinguishing elements in ADHD typically refer to hyperactivity, irritability, and restlessness. The behaviors are pervasive and must present in multiple environments.

 

Now let's open up what those things mean. Hyperactivity might be in your head instead of restless legs. Irritability can be disguised when you are already in burnout or overwhelmed. Similarly, restlessness can be a common feeling among hardworking individuals. There is a pattern of people with ADHD being workaholics or taking on one too many projects.

Hyperactivity

This can manifest as constant movement, leg tapping, nail picking/biting, fidgeting, getting up or stretching when inappropriate, and difficulty sitting still. 

Irritability

This might look like someone becoming easily frustrated and quick to anger due to challenges with self-regulation. This can also be reflected inward with negative self-talk or self-destructive behaviors.

Restlessness

This can manifest as difficulty sleeping, insomnia, and relaxing when the day comes to an end. More simply,  there is an intense need to be "on the go" and discomfort with slowing down.

The Types

  • Inattentive-type 

  • Hyperactive/impulsive-type 

  • Combined-type

About Autism

Autism is neurodevelopmental condition that exists on a spectrum. Autism has a direct impact on social skills, communication, relationships, and emotional regulation. Women with autism may present a variety of symptoms differently than their male counterparts, everyone is unique. Some people do not fit the outward 'characteristics' associated with autism, the only way to tell is to ask someone. If someone is autistic, there is a higher chance they might also have ADHD, learning differences, and chronic health conditions. People on the spectrum often have social difficulties and sensory sensitivities.

Feeling Comfy

Social Difficulties

  • Difficulty reading and responding to social cues

  • Difficulty initiating informal conversations

  • Difficulty making friends

  • Trouble with relationships

  • Trouble with working memory 

  • Feeling anxious in social situations

  • Guilt or rumination after social situations

  • Feeling left out, lonely, or different

  • Preferring to be alone or with only one or two people at a time

  • Rigid thinking and daydreaming tendencies (this can create so many miscommunications)

  • Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to

Sensory Sensitivity 

  • Intense feeling of relief when stepping away from loud sounds, bright lights, etc.

  • Headaches or naseua when exposed to florescent lights for long periods

  • Dizziness, intense sense of panic, or rage when faced with intense direct lights

  • Naseua when exposed to certain smells (food, pet food, fish section at the grocery, etc.) 

  • Being sensitive to the fabric of clothing you wear (tags no more)

  • Strong preference for personal items to remain the same

  • Extreme difficulty with unexpected changes

  • Trouble with transitions - big sensory shifts often happen amid a transition

  • Feeling unable to tolerate certain things

  • Becoming physically hot or cold in a way that feels distracting and intolerable

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