Autism and ADHD resources
What is Autism?
A neurotype (or type of brain) that experiences the world in ways that are qualitatively different to the majority of neurotypes; specifically in the way that information relating to communication and interaction is processed and understood, and in perception and interpretation of the sensory environment. While autistic people share some overarching commonalities, each individual experiences autism in a way that is specific and unique to them.
What is ADHD?
A neurotype (or type of brain) that experiences the world in ways that are qualitatively different to the majority of neurotypes; specifically in the way that attention is distributed, shared and used for focus and concentration; and in the ways that goal-setting and goal-acquisition skills may be limited. While ADHDers share some overarching commonalities, each individual experiences ADHD in a way that is specific and unique to them.
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Monotropism - the theory that autistic attention is strongly drawn to a much smaller number of interests than most other (polytropic) people, so that their mind is pulled into a narrow and intense 'attention tunnel'. Within the tunnel interests can be explored in great depth, leaving fewer resources for processing anything outside the tunnel. The concept is potentially applicable to ADHD also.
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For more information, visit https://monotropism.org/
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Further reading: Murray, D., Lesser, M., & Lawson, W. (2005). Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism. Autism, 9(2), 139-156.
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Double Empathy Problem - the breakdown in reciprocity and mutual understanding that can occur between people who experience the world very differently to each other. Typically, autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent people in general are under pressure to do all the work to breach this empathy gap, despite responsibility for this lying with both parties - making it a double problem.
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For more information, visit https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.554875
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Further reading: Milton, D. (2012) On the Ontological Status of Autism: the ‘Double Empathy Problem’. Disability and Society. Vol. 27(6): 883-887.
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Autistic Masking - a trauma response to stigma, invalidation and marginalisation. Whether conscious or unconscious, it is a self-protective means of avoiding further negativity towards oneself by projecting a version of yourself to others that gives them what they want and expect to see. Research shows not only that suppression of authentic self is exhausting, but also has direct links to poor mental health. Potentially applicable to ADHD also.
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For more information, visit https://theautisticadvocate.com/autistic-masking/
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Further reading: Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: Understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 52-60.