neurodiversity resources — Healing Roots

Neurodiversity-Affirming Resources

Terms:

“Neurodiversity is a combination of traits that are seen as both strengths and challenges. Depending on the neurodiverse variation and its intensity, individuals can display strengths in different areas.” Learn more here.

“Neurodiversity isn’t the same thing as disability. Though, people who have neurodivergent features may need accommodations at work or school.” Learn more here.

Intros:

Neurodiversity Insights (all things ND)

I am Questioning my Identity

6 Traits of High-Masking Autistic Women

Could Your Child Be Autistic? Seven Subtle Signs You Might Be Missing

How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher

Is it Autism, AD/HD, or Something Else?

Am I Autistic?

Discover Your Sensory Preferences

Features/Aspects:

Double Empathy- “The double empathy theory challenges the idea that social difficulties are specific to autism and suggests that problems arise from a mismatch in perspective between autistic and non-autistic people.” Learn more here.

Monotropism- “Monotropic minds tend to have their attention pulled more strongly towards a smaller number of interests at any given time, leaving fewer resources for other processes.” Learn more here.

And here.

Autistic Shutdown- (A Guide for Allies)- “An Autistic shutdown refers to the condition in which an Autistic individual retreats from their surroundings. This shutdown is often a coping mechanism triggered by an overload of sensory or emotional stimuli, or simply due to exhaustion from excessive processing of stimulation.” Learn more here.

Autistic Meltdowns (A Guide For Allies)- “A meltdown is not a conscious behaviour that can be changed, but rather an uncontrollable response to overwhelming feelings; a physical reaction to an overwhelmed brain. Too much information from sensory or cognitive stimuli triggers the automatic nervous system, which then signals to the brain that the person is in danger. This results in behaviours of distress, which can manifest in a variety of ways.” Learn more here.

Interest Based Nervous System (vs. importance-based nervous system) Learn more here.

Bottom-up Thinking- “I create the big picture first, and then fill in the detail as I go.” Learn more here.

Alexythymia: “People who have alexithymia may have have trouble identifying, understanding and describing emotions. They may also struggle to show or feel emotions that are seen as socially appropriate, such as happiness on a joyous occasion.” Learn more here.

Navigating Sensory Issues- “When one or more of our senses become inundated, our brains struggle to cope with the flood of information. From busy restaurants to crowded grocery stores, even a single loud sound or a bright light can tip the scales, leaving us feeling stressed, uncomfortable and overwhelmed.” Learn more here.

Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings