In recent years, the concept of neurodivergence has become far more mainstream, representing a key focal point of physical and mental health treatment. In addition, therapists are far more likely to consider how various traumatic experiences influence emotional well-being.
If you are neurodivergent and have experienced trauma, you may struggle with symptoms of low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and relationship problems. You're not alone, but if you're feeling overwhelmed by your treatment options, it's important to consider the benefits of neurodivergent-affirming care.
The Relationship Between Neurodivergence and Trauma
There is a broad spectrum of trauma symptoms that a person can experience. Some symptoms are apparent, whereas others are more discreet and even covert. With that, it's estimated that about 70% of people experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. A minority of those individuals develop PTSD symptoms in response to trauma.
Neurodivergent individuals, however, may be at a greater risk of experiencing stress and trauma due to the circumstances occurring within their lifespan. Some of the common risk factors include:
Social difficulties: During both childhood and adulthood, neurodivergent people may experience social isolation, bullying, and other difficulties with attachment compared to the general population. This can magnify feelings of anxiety and shame.
Sensory sensitivities: Those with autism or other developmental disorders experience intense sensory experiences that can make certain situations overwhelming. They may struggle with emotional regulation when triggered, and such difficulties can anxiety and depression.
Childhood trauma: Childhood trauma comes in many forms and may include any combination of neglect or emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Trauma fundamentally affects how the nervous system reacts and copes with stress. If you weren't affirmed as a child, you may have felt excluded by the people who were supposed to keep you feeling safe and protected.
Substance use: A neurodivergent person may be more likely to regulate their emotions through mood-altering substances. Drugs and alcohol can temporarily relieve pain, but they can also intensify other problems and perpetuate trauma symptoms.
Does Trauma Cause Neurodivergence?
Despite the complex interplay between trauma and neurodivergence, it's not considered a direct cause. Experts believe that autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have both biological and neurodevelopmental roots. That said, because human brains are malleable, trauma symptoms may exacerbate neurodivergent traits and vice versa.
What is the Connection Between Trauma and Autistic Burnout?
Autistic burnout refers to a state of emotional exhaustion that typically affects executive functioning, social communication, and overall sensory processing. Sensory overload tends to be the main trigger, and masking autistic symptoms may also make the problem worse.
Trauma may lead to autistic burnout, as many autistic people relate to complex trauma due to bullying, ableism, social rejection, and chronic experiences of invalidation. They often mask to survive, but this can perpetuate symptoms of burnout.
Tenants of Neurodivergent-Affirming Treatment
Neurodivergent-affirming therapy, at its core, emphasizes a strengths-based, inclusive approach toward healing. The human brain is complex with so much nuance, and treatment focuses on honoring individual differences rather than assuming one way of operating is "better" than another.
Therefore, trauma-informed care should include the following principles:
Celebrating and prioritizing autonomy: Treatment should honor personal choice and help clients make informed decisions about the options that work best for them. Moving towards independence and self-advocacy paves the path for individual empowerment.
Individualizing treatment plans: Mental health professionals shouldn't rigidly adhere to a one-size-fits-all method for helping their clients. Instead, treatment needs to identify and expand upon the client's inherent values, strengths, and goals.
Reducing or eliminating masking: Treatment should make every effort to encourage clients to live authentically in their bodies and with their unique needs. Efforts to mask may recreate symptoms of trauma and lead to other difficulties within the recovery process. However, at times, masking may still feel self-protective and necessary, and therapists must respect that well.
Challenging social stigmas against ableism: Abelism exists in all facets of life, and this can be evidenced within healthcare treatment. Affirming care addresses all forms of microaggressions, ableism, and social stigmas while continuing to advocate for systemic growth.
Strengthening self-esteem and connection: One of the overarching goals of trauma treatment is to help clients feel better about themselves, regardless of what happened to them or their external environments. Therapy may focus on building self-awareness, clarifying values, enhancing self-care, understanding how to manage difficult emotions, and honoring different ways to connect within society.
Support and Recovery with Resurface Group
At Resurface Group, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, proper support for clients. We understand the many challenges you or your loved one may be facing, and we are here to help people live more meaningfully and authentically.
Affirming care is crucial for neurodivergent individuals, and our team of experts is ready to meet you wherever you are in your journey. Contact us today to learn more about our many programs, including our virtual IOP, Resurface Connect, a dynamic option available for residents living within California.
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