Autism – A Different Perspective on the World
Autism is not a one-way street, but a spectrum full of diversity and depth. Learn how people on the autism spectrum perceive the world, the challenges they face and the unique strengths they bring. From scientific facts to personal stories, you will find everything you need to better understand autism.
Here comes everything on the diversity within the autistic spectrum and the unique strengths that come with it.
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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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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…
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Stimming: Why self-stimulating behavior is essential for our nervous system
Snapping fingers, tapping their foot in a rhythmic way, or making repetitive sounds. These behaviors can be part of stimming, which stands for self-stimulatory behavior. But what exactly does stimming mean, and why is it so important for neurodivergent people, such as those with autism or ADHD? Stimming describes repetitive movements or sounds that help…
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Alexithymia: When feelings can’t find words – and how you can discover them
Do you feel like you can’t put your emotions into words? Maybe you even wonder if you feel anything at all because it’s so hard to name it? These insecurities drive many people to the term alexithymia. But don’t worry, you’re not alone – and the problem is solvable. What exactly is alexithymia? Alexithymia literally…
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Sensory Gating Deficit: When Stimuli Become a Challenge
Imagine sitting in a café. People are talking over each other, the lights flicker, and suddenly, you feel overwhelmed by everything around you. Welcome to the daily reality of many individuals with a sensory gating deficit. For those affected, this condition is far more than mere “sensitivity”—it can significantly disrupt everyday life and is often…
