It took me to my late 30s to realise I am neurodivergent yet still certain anomolies remained unexplained — Lack of awareness I was only vaguely aware of the term dyspraxia until very recently. I have been on a journey of self discovery for the past two years. First, realising I am autistic and then going on to join the dots that I also have ADHD. I received my official autism diagnosis…

A guide for the neurodivergent mind: set boundaries with yourself and learn to stop before you feel drained — Completely unaware Resting a neurodivergent mind can be a particular challenge I am late-diagnosed autistic and awaiting an assessment for ADHD. Having spent most of my life not knowing that my brain works differently to others, I had no hope of setting boundaries on any level. As is the case for many…

Simple steps to settle an overactive brain; it’s all about balance — I am diagnosed Autistic and self-diagnosed ADHD, and balancing those two aspects of my brain can be tough. It helps me to get that balance if I can include simple routines in my day/week. Just enough, not too much. If you get too focused on routine, then this can give…

If it hurts you to follow the rule then it conflicts with your values Work out your most important values I started my writing journey after doing an online quiz about values. It sparked so many thoughts and considerations that I ended up writing about it and realising I had a voice and quite a lot…

Drop the beliefs surrounding your perfectionism to liberate your talents — Years in denial I had spent many years in denial about being a perfectionist. Realising I am a true perfectionist means I can access all the qualities that contribute to me being this way and use them differently. …

A neurodivergent’s perspective on prioritising your life to achieve contentment — It is so wonderful that it is worth fighting for Innate ability to find happiness I was born with an innate ability to find happiness in the most difficult places. Having Autism and ADHD meant my struggles started early in life, but that made me more determined to fight for my right to live a…

Manage your energy so it benefits you “You need to get that buzz every single day” Autism diagnosis confirmed, next step ADHD I assumed that the second video call from the organisation assessing me for Autism would be a quick five minutes. Just a formality really. …

I suddenly realised that I needed to show all the sides of me I have always thought would get me into trouble Emotional outburst I had an unexpected emotional explosion thirty minutes before my video appointment. I have spent my whole life hiding my autistic traits, particularly in official environments, such as…

Stimulating and calming your senses will help your divergent mind to settle — If you are neurodivergent then you are likely to have a relationship with your senses that needs to be carefully balanced A sensory den is not just for kids! Being a mum to a neurodivergent child, I am well rehearsed in the constant balance of sensory stimulation for my son. There are times when he needs the curtains…