There is a staggering number of adults with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence, who have yet to be diagnosed. Even in the age of information, many adults don’t realize they are wired differently until their children are diagnosed. This can create all sorts of issues in the nervous system for these folks, by suppressing, repressing, masking their true selves, and feelings of inadequacy can take a toll.
This is why a diagnosis is so important when it comes to these types of disorders, because once we can name and identify what is going on in our mind and body, we can learn how to work with our unique wiring and turn what once felt like a burden into a gift.
On today’s episode, we are joined by clinical psychologist, researcher, and writer, Dr. Megan Anna Neff. We discuss neurodivergence, autism, ADHD, and its intricacies in children, adults, and the power of a diagnosis.
We also discuss how these disorders can be easily masked, hidden behind feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, and there is an eye opening discussion about how neurodivergence is complex trauma. We are just learning about how prevalent these disorders are, and how diagnosing them can be a challenge, especially in certain groups of people who have become really skilled at masking their symptoms.
This is why these discussions are so important, especially with an expert like Dr. Megan Anna Neff, so we can understand ourselves and others on a deeper level and without judgment. Tune in for this and more!
Topics discussed in this episode:
Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s diagnosis journey
The benefits of an autism diagnosis
The impact of our disconnection from our humanness
Is complex trauma a neurodivergence?
Identifying with a neurodivergent diagnosis
Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s first signs of neurodivergence
Negative self talk that comes with neurodivergence
How dissociation can be related to high sensitivity
What is alexithymia and who does it affect?
Gender bias in autism research
Why Asperger’s isn’t diagnosed anymore
Neurodivergence is genetic
To learn more about Dr. Megan Anna Neff visit their website here: https://www.meganannaneff.com/
Connect with Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergent_insights/
Resources mentioned in the episode: Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price Is This Autism?:
A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else by Donna Henderson and Sarah Wayland
If you would like to WATCH the episode and/or have closed captions, check out our Trauma Rewired YOUTUBE channel!
If you need access to transcripts of this episode, you can find that HERE on Apple Podcasts.
