Understanding neurodivergence

These variations reflect the natural diversity of how we operate and brings with them unique strengths and challenges. 

Common neurodivergent diagnoses and traits

Common neurodivergent diagnoses include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. 

While every person is different, some common experiences of neurodivergence include:

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., heightened, or reduced responses to noise, light, textures) 
• Social communication differences (e.g., difficulties understanding social cues, strong preference for routines and adjustment difficulties to unexpected changes) 
• Hyper fixation on specific interests 
• Emotion regulation difficulties (e.g., heightened anxiety, anger management issues, reactivity) 
• Executive functioning challenges (e.g., difficulties with organisation, planning, or task-switching) 
• Different learning styles 

Approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the global population experience neurodivergence. While there isn’t much research into neurodiversity within the Defence Force, ADHD and ASD are becoming increasingly recognised amongst individuals who thrive in structured, high-intensity environments. 

Living with neurodivergence

Some challenges for people experiencing neurodivergence include sensory overload (crowded environments, bright lights, loud noises), executive function difficulties (remembering tasks, organising work), difficulty reading social cues, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and burnout. 

There are ways to manage the impacts of a neurodivergent diagnosis that can be helpful:

• For sensory overload, try stimulus control, including wearing noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, going to quieter spaces or attending shops at quieter times. 
• Using visual schedules, apps for reminders, and structured time management (such as to-do lists) can be beneficial for those who are prone to forgetfulness. 
• Difficulties reading social cues can be managed with the help of neurodiversity-affirming therapy and using/practicing clear, reciprocal communication strategies. 
• Mental health concerns can be balanced through practicing mindfulness, establishing and engaging with self-care routines, and seeking professional support. 

What is neurodiversity-affirming therapy? 

Neurodiversity-affirming therapies can improve outcomes for those living with a neurodivergent diagnosis. These therapies focus on embracing the uniqueness, strengths and environmental/societal challenges faced by the individual, and provide strategies aimed at enhancing self-esteem, autonomy, and self-regulation - rather than seeing their impairments as ‘problems that need fixing’. 

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy may involve:

• Use of neurodiversity affirming language 
• Engaging neurodivergent strengths 
• Support to develop problem-solving skills  
• Emphasis on emotional awareness and regulation 
• Facilitating adaptive communication skills development 
• Allowing for information processing needs (e.g., extra time to think) 
• Promoting safe self-regulation skills (e.g., self-stimulation behaviours) 
• Focus on understanding unique neurodivergent needs, perspectives, and adaptations to meet core needs 
• Acknowledgement and accommodation of unique neurodivergent communication styles and sensory needs 

The strengths of neurodiversity

Neurodivergence also comes with a wide range of strengths, which can be overlooked, but are increasingly recognised in modern society. For instance:

• Unique learning styles: e.g., big-picture thinking in dyslexia. 
• Hyperfocus: a deep focus in interest areas allowing mastery of subjects or efficient task completion, leading to expertise, innovation, and high-quality work in areas of interest. 
• Creativity and innovation: some people with ADHD are skilled in divergent thinking (i.e., making unexpected connections between ideas), and some with autism may have deep, specialised knowledge that leads to unique insights and developments in creative or technical fields. 
• Systems-based and logical thinking: various individuals with autism excel in systems thinking, pattern and logic analysis, which translates into high performance in areas of engineering, data analysis and problem-solving fields. 

With the right levels of neurodiversity-affirming support, strengths can be harnessed to empower people to overcome challenges and develop unique skills, perspectives and abilities that contribute positively to their personal lives and communities. 

Support at Mates4Mates

Mates4Mates offers a range of mental and physical health support for veterans and families, using a neurodiversity-affirming approach to support individual needs. 

Avenues of support include individual appointments with Mates4Mates psychologists, tailored physical rehabilitation and exercise programs with the team of exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, and social connection activities with other members of the Defence community who often have shared experiences. 

For more information about Mates4Mates services and how we can help to support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Written by Kia Karimi, Mates4Mates Psychologist