There is a staggering number of adults with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence, who have yet to be diagnosed. Even in the age of information, many adults don’t realize they are wired differently until their children are diagnosed. This can create all sorts of issues in the nervous system for these folks, by suppressing, repressing, masking their true selves, and feelings of inadequacy can take a toll. This is why a diagnosis is so important when it comes to these types of disorders, because once we can name and identify what is going on in our mind and body, we can learn how to work with our unique wiring and turn what once felt like a burden into a gift. On today’s episode, our hosts Elisabeth and Jennifer are joined by clinical psychologist, researcher, and writer, Dr. Megan Anna Neff. They discuss neurodivergence, autism, ADHD, and its intricacies in children, adults, and the power of a diagnosis. They also discuss how these disorders can be easily masked, hidden behind feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, and there is an eye opening discussion about how neurodivergence is complex trauma. We are just learning about how prevalent these disorders are, and how diagnosing them can be a challenge, especially in certain groups of people who have become really skilled at masking their symptoms. This is why these discussions are so important, especially with an expert like Dr. Megan Anna Neff, so we can understand ourselves and others on a deeper level and without judgment. Tune in for this and more! Topics discussed in this episode: Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s diagnosis journey The benefits of an autism diagnosis The impact of our disconnection from our humanness Is complex trauma a neurodivergence? Identifying with a neurodivergent diagnosis Dr. Megan Anna Nef’s first signs of neurodivergence Negative self talk that comes with neurodivergence How dissociation can be related to high sensitivity What is alexithymia and who does it affect? Gender bias in autism research Why Aspergers isn’t diagnosed anymore Neurodivergence is genetic To learn more about Dr. Megan Anna Neff visit their website here: https://www.meganannaneff.com/ Connect with Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergent_insights/ Resources mentioned in the episode: Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price Is This Autism?: A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else by Donna Henderson and Sarah Wayland Contact us about private Rewire Neuro-Somatic Coaching: https://brainbased-wellness.com/rewire-private-neuro-somatic-coaching/ Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the fall cohort now! https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on you
Today we are going to be exploring the overlaps of complex trauma, autism, adhd and sensory processing with Doctor Megan Anna Knapp, a clinical psychologist, researcher and writer.
They're the co host of the Neurodivergence podcast, author of multiple books including Self Care for Autistic People and embodying integration and a wealth of resources for folks looking to learn more about navigating a neurotypical world with neurodivergence.
Welcome to trauma rewired.
I'm your co host, Elizabeth Christoph.
I'm the founder of Brainbased.com and the Neurosomtic Intelligence Coaching certification.
And I'm your co host, Jennifer Wallace.
I'm a neurosomatic psychedelic preparation and integration guide, bridging the powerful modalities of nervous system health with medicine spaces and so, Doctor Neff, I am so excited to have you here and explore neurodivergence and the inner weavings of complex trauma.
And so I would love for you to just introduce yourself, if you would, to our audience and just share a little bit about yourself and how you got to being an expert in this field.
Well, first of all, thank you so much for having me.
And now my brain is frantically trying to locate that question in space.
Tell me about yourself.
That's a hard question for an autistic person, so that's maybe part of telling you about myself is letting me know.
My brain struggles with questions like that.
I am a clinical psychologist.
I discovered my autism and ADHD later in life after one of my children was identified, which that is becoming such a common story of parents who are learning this about themselves only after a child is identified.
The research talks about the last generation of autistic and ADHD adults, so I'm very much in that camp.
And then when I learned this about myself, it was a pretty powerful aha moment.
So I really changed my professional trajectory quite a bit.
And neurodivergence has become kind of my special interest.
It's what I do professionally and the thing I'm really passionate about is both educating the mental health world about non stereotypical presentations because our training is very far behind.