Crafted with Purpose

According to Cambridge Dictionary, the term neurodiverse means relating to neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is the idea that people have a range of different types of brains, including those with and without autism, and these differences should be regarded as part of normal human life):

ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia are some examples of neurodiverse conditions. Sadly, many people grow up thinking their neurodiverse symptoms are character flaws, leading to life-long problems with shame, guilt, insecurity, and inadequacy. When symptoms can be seen as challenges to cope with as needed, people can learn to be their best self with confidence and improved outcomes.

A coping support is any type of information, skills, item, tool, or interaction that improves an individual's ability to handle the challenges they face. It could be a fidget item to focus during a meeting, a breathing skill to use when anxious, or even a friend you can talk to when you are having a rough time.

When we think we have to just "push through" a situation, symptom, or challenge without acknowledging or giving ourselves the support we really need, we usually burn out or shut down in the end. Acknowledging that we have a different brain and thus different needs or ways of doing things gives us the ability and wisdom to choose to utilize coping skills and tools, or accommodations, to reach our full potential without burning out or getting overwhelmed. Coping lets us do things in ways that work best for our brain and body.

Because every brain and person is individually unique in many ways, it can take some experimenting or trial and error to find the things that work best. There are general skills and strategies that are likely to work for most people with certain types of needs, but even within those guidelines, there is room to make something your own.

For example: Grounding skills work for everyone to help stabilize and calm down. However, some people get more benefit from grounding skills that focus on physical touch, others on sounds or smells, and others still from images they can picture or phrases they can say in their minds.

The best way to figure out what works best for you is to try some things out and treat any success or failure as information that lets you know more and more about yourself.