And how can we do better in supporting the neurodivergent people we live, work, and learn with?
Sharon OConnor,LCSW, is an autistic psychotherapist who specializes in neurodiversity and anxiety.
There has been a lot of change to process in a short amount of time, says Williams.
Verywell / Bailey Mariner
Since change can cause stress, sometimes this stress exacerbates ADHD symptoms and anxiety symptoms.
OConnor explains, The expansion of telehealth has made therapy much more accessible to neurodivergent folks.
The ability to meet with a therapist remotely eliminates the barrier and stressor of traveling to an office.
Syuzanna Guseynova / Getty Images
According to these therapists, this flexibility led to more people than ever before learning about their own neurodiversity.
Many of these benefits were highlighted in the pandemic.
For instance, adults with ADHD can be incredibly creative and entrepreneurial.
The pandemic forced many people to be creative and innovative.
While those with cognitive deficits found challenges, many also utilized their strengths to create and innovate.
Numerous personality traits associated with neurodivergent conditions may have provided a more positive experience than one would otherwise anticipate.
For example, people with autism often have great attention to detail and strong focus skills.
Many neurotypical workers expressed extreme frustration and difficulty with the ability to focus on work in a home environment.
For Roberts, the biggest change that needs to occur is on a policy level.
He says that the system needs to change and make neurodiverse policies and practices a priority.
This includes schools,workplace environments, and even within mental health care, he adds.
But why were those policies the default in the first place?
This can begin as simply as with conversation around how everyone is doing.
Most of us dont exactly love it.
The coping mechanisms that neurodivergent people have employed can benefit everyone, regardless of how their brain works.
Here are a few examples.
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2019;28(4):481-489. doi:10.1007/s00787-018-1211-3
