Tag: symptoms
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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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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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Insomnia and Neurodivergence: When Sleep Becomes a Struggle
For neurodivergent individuals – including those with ADHD, autism, and high sensitivity – sleep is often an especially elusive resource. Maybe you’ve experienced this: you’re tired, but sleep just won’t come. Thoughts race, your body feels tense, and even though the day is long over, your senses seem to be running at full speed. Insomnia,…
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Thought Loops: What They Are and How to Break Free
What Are Thought Loops? You might be looking for ways to escape your recurring thoughts. These thought loops are exhausting, consuming time and energy, and often surface at night when everything quiets down. For neurodivergent individuals such as those with autism or ADHD, thought loops can be particularly challenging due to specific cognitive patterns that…
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Identity Diffusion: When the Self Dissolves
What is Identity Diffusion? Identity diffusion describes a state in which a person cannot develop a stable and clear understanding of their identity. This term, prevalent in psychology, refers to an inner conflict that impacts decisions, social roles, and self-image. At its core, identity diffusion is a state of confusion about one’s “self,” characterized by…