Common Neurodiversity Challenges

Key Focus Areas for Neurodiverse People

Clinical Psychologist, Auckland, Ponsonby & Parnell

Common neurodiverse challenges vary depending on the individual and their specific neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia), but some general challenges include:

• Sensory Sensitivities: Difficulty managing sensory input, such as being overly sensitive to noise, light, textures, or smells, leading to overwhelm or sensory overload.

• Communication Difficulties: Challenges in interpreting social cues, understanding non-verbal communication, or expressing thoughts clearly, which can lead to misunderstandings or social anxiety.

• Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing intense emotions, leading to outbursts, shutdowns, or struggles with mood swings.

• Executive Functioning Issues: Problems with planning, organisation, time management, and multitasking, making it harder to complete tasks or meet deadlines.

• Social Interactions: Struggles with social skills, such as initiating conversations, maintaining relationships, or understanding social expectations, which can lead to isolation or anxiety.

• Routine and Change: A strong preference for routines and difficulty coping with change or unpredictability, causing stress or confusion when things don’t go as planned.

• Attention and Focus: Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks, particularly in ADHD, or hyper-focus on certain interests, making it challenging to shift between tasks.

• Memory and Learning: Short-term memory issues or challenges with processing information, especially common in dyslexia or ADHD, making it harder to retain new information.

• Self-Perception and Confidence: Feelings of being misunderstood or “different” can affect self-esteem, leading to self-doubt or difficulty advocating for personal needs.

These challenges are often accompanied by unique strengths, such as creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, which can be harnessed with the right support.