Author: Edda Mia Löhr
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Autistic Shutdown: When the System “Shuts Down”
Disclaimer: Individuals on the autism spectrum may respond to stressful situations involving sensory overload (Overload) with a meltdown or a shutdown. A meltdown is a visible emotional and physical reaction to being overwhelmed, often accompanied by intense feelings or movements such as crying, screaming, or even tantrums. A shutdown, on the other hand, is an…
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Meltdown
Disclaimer: People with neurodivergent brains – especially those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD – often experience severe sensory overload in stressful situations. This can lead to a meltdown (an emotional outburst) or a shutdown (withdrawal and inertia). While meltdowns are often associated with intense emotional outbursts and overstimulation, shutdown is a reaction in…
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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Resources for Affected Individuals
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), also referred to as non-verbal learning disability, is a term associated with many questions and uncertainties for affected individuals and their families. Many parents and individuals want to understand what this learning disorder entails, its associated strengths and challenges, and how NLD differs from other neurodivergent conditions. Table of Contents 1.…
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The Spoon Theory: A model to better understand your energy reserves
What is the Spoon Theory? The spoon theory, was developed by author and activist Christine Miserandino. Originally, to explain to her friend how it feels to live with a chronic illness, the theory offers a vivid metaphor: everyone starts the day with a limited number of “spoons” – symbolic of energy units. Normal activities such…
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Trauma Flashbacks: A Look at Symptoms, Coping, and Specifics
What Are Trauma Flashbacks? Trauma flashbacks can be sudden and overwhelming. When experiencing a flashback, the present moment seems to vanish, and you intensely relive an aspect of a traumatic event. Flashbacks are a core symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). For many, this moment feels like a reactivation of the…
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Hypersensitive Sense of Smell – Why We Perceive Scents More Intensely
Table of Contents 1. What Does a Hypersensitive Sense of Smell Mean? A hypersensitive sense of smell refers to the perception of odors in an unusually intense way, which is often experienced as overwhelming. Some individuals detect scents that others may not notice or find odors stronger, more unpleasant, or even physically taxing. This condition…
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What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and how does it feel?
If the noise of a crowd of people throws you completely off track or you find the label in your sweater unbearable, you are not alone. People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) experience the world in a way that neurotypical people often find difficult to comprehend. But what exactly is SPD? And why does it…
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Body Doubling: A Guide for Neurodivergents and Interested Parties
Body doubling, a term that has gained particular importance in the context of ADHD, describes a method in which the presence of another person facilitates work or the completion of tasks. But what exactly is it, and how effective is it for people with ADHD, autism and other neurodivergent conditions? What does body doubling mean? …
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Hyperfocus – A State Between Productivity and Self-Loss
From one moment to the next, the world around me blurs. Time dissolves, eating and sleeping become secondary, and only one thought remains: the task I’ve fixated on. This phenomenon is known as hyperfocus. For people like me, who have ADHD and autism, this state is a double-edged sword. What is Hyperfocus? Hyperfocus is the…
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Masking: When neurodivergence becomes your daily acting role
Do you ever feel like you’re playing a role to fit in social situations? Perhaps you unconsciously suppress behaviors that don’t seem “normal” for fear of not being accepted. What you experience is called masking – consciously or unconsciously hiding your true personality to fit in with the expectations of others. People with autism in…