The Complex Art of Hiding in Plain Sight Understanding Masking in Neurodivergent Individuals Masking, also known as camouflaging, is a common phenomenon among neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with multiple co-occurring conditions. It refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of natural behaviors and the adoption of neurotypical social norms to fit in. While masking can be a survival strategy in a world not designed for neurodivergent minds, it often comes at a significant personal cost. The...
Embracing Neurodiversity:
Understanding and Supporting Complex Neurological Profiles The Reality of Neurodevelopmental Complexity As we've explored in our series on comorbid conditions, neurodevelopmental and neurological differences rarely occur in isolation. Whether we're discussing the intersection of ADHD and bipolar disorder, autism and OCD, or the complex interplay between physical conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and neurodevelopmental differences, one thing becomes clear: human neurology is intricate and diverse. Common...
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Autism and ADHD:
Navigating the Intersection of Physical and Neurodevelopmental Differences What is EDS with Autism and ADHD? Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that can co-occur with neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Recent research suggests a higher prevalence of autism and ADHD in individuals with EDS compared to the general population. When someone has EDS along with autism and/or ADHD, we refer to this...
Autism and Alexithymia:
Navigating the Complexities of Emotional Understanding What is Autism with Alexithymia? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and alexithymia are distinct neurological conditions that frequently co-occur. Research suggests that up to 50% of autistic individuals may also experience alexithymia, a condition characterized by difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions. When someone has both autism and alexithymia, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Autism-Alexithymia. The Diagnostic Evolution of...
Dyslexia and ADHD:
Unraveling the Complexities of Learning and Attention What is Dyslexia with ADHD? Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that frequently co-occur. Research suggests that up to 40% of individuals with dyslexia also meet criteria for ADHD. When someone has both dyslexia and ADHD, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Dyslexia-ADHD. The Diagnostic Evolution of Dyslexia-ADHD Historically, the reading difficulties associated with dyslexia were...
Depression and Autism:
Navigating the Intersection of Mood and Neurodiversity What is Depression with Autism? Depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are distinct conditions that can co-occur. Research suggests that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of developing depression, with some studies indicating rates as high as 40%. When someone has both depression and autism, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Depression-Autism. The Diagnostic Evolution of Depression-Autism Historically, depression in autistic...
Anxiety Disorders and ADHD:
Unraveling the Tangle of Worry and Inattention What is Anxiety with ADHD? Anxiety Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are distinct conditions that frequently co-occur. Research suggests that up to 50% of individuals with ADHD also experience an anxiety disorder. When someone has both an anxiety disorder and ADHD, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Anxiety-ADHD. The Diagnostic Evolution of Anxiety-ADHD Historically, the restlessness and difficulty concentrating seen in...
Bipolar Disorder and ADHD:
Navigating the Complexity of Dual Diagnosis What is Bipolar Disorder with ADHD? Bipolar Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that can co-occur in some individuals. Recent research suggests that up to 20% of individuals with bipolar disorder also meet criteria for ADHD, and vice versa. When someone has both bipolar disorder and ADHD, it creates a unique neurological profile that we'll refer to as bipolar-ADHD. The Diagnostic Evolution of...
Sensory Processing Disorder with Autism and ADHD:
Navigating a Multi-Sensory World What is SPD with Autism and ADHD? Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that can co-occur. When an individual experiences all three, we refer to this unique neurological profile as SPD-Autism-ADHD. The Diagnostic Evolution of SPD-Autism-ADHD Historically, sensory issues were often seen as a component of autism or ADHD rather than a distinct condition. Recent...
Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder:
Navigating Emotional Intensity What is BPD with Bipolar Disorder? Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder are distinct conditions that can co-occur in some individuals. Studies suggest that up to 20% of individuals with BPD also meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder. When someone has both BPD and Bipolar Disorder, it creates a unique psychological profile that we'll refer to as BPD-Bipolar. The Diagnostic Evolution of BPD-Bipolar Historically, the intense mood swings seen in BPD were often...