Episode 13: When Little Things Feel Huge: Neurodivergent Perspectives on Routine Disruptions

Divergent Conversations

Difficulty with unexpected changes or routine disruptions is a pivotal part of being Autistic and even small changes can result in a surge of irritation.

In regards to routine or plan changes, Dr. Neff described her feelings as an Autistic person: "Once I'm, like, emotionally checked out of something, I'm out."

Patrick Casale shared his experience saying that it's very hard to get back into a place where he feels mentally regulated, and he just gets very irritated, very easily.

In this episode, Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Patrick Casale, both AuDHDer mental health professionals, share their own struggles, experiences, and feelings around routine disruptions, being over- or under-stimulated in day-to-day life, and learning to better understand their reactions to small and big changes through the lens of their diagnosis.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Understand the challenges faced by ADHDers and Autistic people when it comes to sensory stimulation and emotional regulation.
2. Identify the difference between Autistic-ADHDers and pure Autistic people around routine disruption and routine changes.
3. Learn strategies to cope and self-soothe emotions such as anxiety caused by routine disruption.

It can at times feel frustrating or shameful for Autistic people to experience strong emotions or feel upset by what others see as seemingly insignificant things. However, by recognizing these feelings and understanding that they are part of our neurodivergent nature, we can help combat self-criticism and better advocate for our needs.

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