Essentially, they refer to how an individual tends to express or receive affection from loved ones.
There is nothing wrong with this way of being, it just might require some lifestyle adjustments and accommodation.
Enter: Neurodivergent love languages.
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Since then, many others have chimed in with their perspective on neurodivergent love languages.
Learn about five popular neurodivergent love languages and how to effectively express affection to neurodivergent loved ones.
Neurodivergent Love Languages Explained
Each person expresses and receivesaffectionin different ways.
For example, many people recognize hugs as a way to express affection.
Some autistic people havesensory sensitivitiesthat make giving and receiving hugs uncomfortable and overwhelming.
This allows the neurodivergent person to give and receive love without compromising their comfort or safety.
It can also help theirlovedones adjust their expectations and recognize the affection that the neurodivergent person is offering.
The concept of neurodivergent love languages focuses on five main ways that a neurodivergent individual might expressaffection.
Some people feel most loved in response to different actions than the way that they prefer to express love.
It might show up in ways you dont expect!
Body doubling is a behavior activation strategy that many ADHD-ers use to complete tasks.
Essentially, having another person present helps the individual do things even if the person is not directly assisting.
Info-Dumping
For some neurodivergent people, areas of interest go beyond simple hobbies.
This is sometimes called having aspecial interest.
In the autistic community in particular, info-dumping refers to sharing often about their special interest.
Unfortunately, manyautisticsexperience being shut down when they share about their special interests.
They are told that they are being too much and need to talk about something else instead.
They want you to know about their interest and share their joy in that interest.
Penguin Pebbling
Did you know that penguins gift each other with small rocks?
Is that not the most adorable thing you have ever heard?
It shows up as, I saw this and thought of you.
That can be a rock, a photograph, a gift, or even an internet meme.
If you run out of spoons, you mightshut downor be unable to complete other tasks.
This could mean taking on a task they know the loved one is struggling with.
Deep Pressure
Some neurodivergent people are sensory-seeking, meaning that they crave intense sensory experiences.
Whats Your Neurodivergent Love Language?
Your preferred love language might change over time, too.
However, it can be helpful to identify which expressions of affection mean the most to you.
These questions can help you self-reflect on your love languages.
It is important tocommunicateeffectively.
Miscommunication happens, and conflicts arise.
Take space when you’re gonna wanna, and work through things together.
Acouples therapistcan help you build effective communication skills and form a stronger relationship.
