neurodivergent life Archives - Page 3 of 7

Mindfulness and meditation for ADHD: What really works

A seated woman playing a 4-string bass guitar as part of her mindfulness and meditation practice

For many people with ADHD, the idea of mindfulness and meditation might sound calming in theory – but frustrating in practice. You’re told to sit still, focus on your breath, and clear your mind. But for busy, fast-moving, neurodivergent brains, that often feels more stressful than soothing. Here’s the truth: mindfulness and meditation don’t haveContinueContinue reading “Mindfulness and meditation for ADHD: What really works”

Easing the sting of rejection sensitivity: 8 Simple strategies

Image of a street sign, round with a red circle around the edge, with a central white circle containing an unhappy face. Below the circle is a label that says rejection.

If you live with rejection sensitivity, you’ll know how exhausting and overwhelming it can feel. A fleeting glance, a delayed reply, a slight change in tone – and suddenly you’re spiralling, convinced you’ve done something wrong or that you’re too much, not enough, or just fundamentally unlovable. This reaction isn’t a flaw or weakness. It’sContinueContinue reading “Easing the sting of rejection sensitivity: 8 Simple strategies”

Benefits of a parts work approach for neurodivergent people

Image shows a collection of ducks in various guises, along with a big duck depicting the normal life self, illustrating parks work for neurpdivergent people

Parts work, a transformative therapeutic approach, has been gaining traction as an effective way to support neurodivergent individuals. Parts work, associated with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, helps individuals explore and integrate different aspects of themselves. When applied to neurodivergent people, such as those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions, parts work can offerContinueContinue reading “Benefits of a parts work approach for neurodivergent people”

Drinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism: A neurodivergent perspective

How drinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism intersect for neurodivergent people and strategies for healthier coping mechanisms.

Drinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism often intersect in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, creating a complex web of behaviours that can feel difficult to untangle. For many, these tendencies aren’t just habits or personality traits—they’re coping mechanisms that develop in response to societal pressures, past trauma, or internalised expectations. In this blog, I explore how theseContinueContinue reading “Drinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism: A neurodivergent perspective”

Neurodivergence, alcohol, and self-medication: The need to knows

Image of a white woman who looks uncomfortable. She is clutching a bottle of whisky and about to unscrew the lid.

If you’re neurodivergent, chances are you’ve spent a lot of time trying to manage a world that often feels overwhelming, confusing, or just not built for you. The constant effort to navigate social expectations, sensory overload, executive dysfunction, and emotional intensity can be exhausting. And when traditional coping strategies don’t seem to fit, it’s noContinueContinue reading “Neurodivergence, alcohol, and self-medication: The need to knows”

Neurodivergent alcohol use support: Key insights you need to know

Image of a face mask for a fancy dress party. The mask is made od green and blue feathers, with sequins. There is a peacock feather in the middle of the mask.

Changing drinking habits can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals due to the complex ways in which alcohol interacts with sensory processing, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms. Many neurodivergent people use alcohol as a tool to mask, manage rejection sensitivity, or regulate overwhelming emotions, often without realising the long-term impact on their well-being. Societal normsContinueContinue reading “Neurodivergent alcohol use support: Key insights you need to know”

Feeling childish as a neurodivergent adult? The unexpected truth

Image of smiley face buttons, all pulling gritted teeth face

Feeling childish as a neurodivergent adult is a common and often deeply frustrating experience. You might wonder why certain aspects of life – like handling emotions, maintaining focus, or managing responsibilities – seem more difficult for you than for others. Perhaps you’ve been told that you overreact, need to grow up, or should act yourContinueContinue reading “Feeling childish as a neurodivergent adult? The unexpected truth”

Neurodivergence and the menopause: what you need to know

Graphical imagie of a woman experiencing stress about menopause.

Neurodivergence and the menopause intersect in ways that can create unique challenges and experiences. Menopause is a significant life stage that brings hormonal, physical, and psychological changes. While mainstream research often focuses on the general population, emerging studies suggest that neurodivergent individuals – those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive differences – mayContinueContinue reading “Neurodivergence and the menopause: what you need to know”