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.
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 distinquising elements in ADHD typically refer to hyperactivity, irritability, and restlessness. The behaviors are pervasive and must present in multiple environements.
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
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Inattentive-type
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Hyperactive/impulsive-type
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Combined-type
About Autism
Autism is another neurodevelopmental disorder that exists on a spectrum. Women with autism may present a variety of symptoms, 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, sensory sensitivities, and challenges with emotional regulation.
Social Difficulties
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Difficulty reading and responding to social cues
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Difficulty initiating informal conversations
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Difficulty making friends
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Trouble with relationships
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Trouble with working memory
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Feeling anxious in social situations
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Guilt or rumination after social situations
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Feeling left out, lonely, or different
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Preferring to be alone or with only one or two people at a time
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Rigid thinking and daydreaming tendencies (this can create so many miscommunications)
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Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
Sensory Sensitivity
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Intense feeling of relief when stepping away from loud sounds, bright lights, etc.
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Headaches or naseua when exposed to florescent lights for long periods
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Dizziness, intense sense of panic, or rage when faced with intense direct lights
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Naseua when exposed to certain smells (food, pet food, fish section at the grocery, etc.)
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Being sensitive to the fabric of clothing you wear (tags no more)
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Strong preference for personal items to remain the same
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Extreme difficulty with unexpected changes
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Trouble with transitions - big sensory shifts often happen amid a transition
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Feeling unable to tolerate certain things
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Becoming physically hot or cold in a way that feels distracting and intolerable
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