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Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence is exactly what it sounds like, a divergence from the norm in neurological functioning. The term is often used to describe people that are on the autism spectrum, though there is actually a wide spectrum of neurodivergence.  My many illness almost all fit into this category.  My PTSD, Depression, spasms, tremors and migraines all are neurological divergence in functioning. 

It may be surprising for you to learn that "high functioning" autism is regularly misdiagnosed as PTSD. Migraine sufferers and autistic people share triggers, and reactions to those triggers.  My issues with sensory input when I have a migraine are identical to some aspies under stress.  When pushed, I stim automatically.  (Stimming is on a spectrum as well, for me it's often flapping my arms, it moves up to hitting myself in the head.  It is a variety of physical reactions to the triggers.)  My sensory input issues have been really bothering me, and making it hard to focus.  I can't see straight because light is bothering me, including the light from my kindle.  It's as if the words are shadowed. 

Noises that aren't consistent are really bothersome and distracting.  That's the piece that makes video games so helpful, they are almost all consuming.  Also, they are not great for the challenges with my vision. 

You may be wondering "where did this comparison come from?"  I've been reading some books about Autism.  I read Nuerodiverse Relationships by Joanna Pike and  Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Autism by Eva A. Mendes and Meredith Maroney.

Neurodiverse Relationships was a wonderful book.  It gave perspectives of relationships from the two partners, one autistic and the other neurotypical.  Then the issues in the relationships are broken down by a professional, in how autism impacts the relationships and a little bit on what can be done.  It's very insightful.  I would  100% recommend it for clients and/or their partners.  Many of the concerns that those couples dealt with are connected to the issues I feel.  I know this book is helpful, insightful, and connecting.

Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism begins with definitions and explanations.  Explanations such as why the authors are looking into the topic, and why they don't use the word neurodivergent to describe autistic people.  It's a bit different, in that the case studies are people that identify as LGBT+, but also people that consider themselves part of autistic culture. This book is very clinical.  Even though it highlights the voices of the autistic, those stories are broken down into common sections and story tellers describe these common aspects of their lives. The authors are identifying and dissecting an issue for autistics, and for LGBT+ activists to be aware of.  The book isn't an enjoyable read, but an informative one. It may be helpful for some autistics that are interested in scientific readings, but it won't make it on my recommendations list for clients.  It will for therapists though. 

I'm going to keep reading today until my vision goes out

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