Discovering the Complexities of Trauma, Autism (ASD), and ADHD
Trauma, Autism, and ADHD are intricate psychological disorders that have a profound impact not only on the individuals experiencing them but also on those around them. Understanding the complexities of trauma, Autism (ASD), and ADHD is essential for providing appropriate support and care for those affected. Whenever there is an increase in one condition being diagnosed, it often creates an idea that other conditions do not have an "as significant" impact on one's life. This results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. For example, the symptoms associated with trauma, such as irritability, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance, can be mistaken for symptoms of ADHD and Autism, and vice versa. The primary challenge is the cost and time required to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, many individuals are currently receiving a diagnosis without their developmental and trauma history being considered or their neurodiverse traits being brushed off.
Trauma can arise from various experiences, including abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters, and accidents. It profoundly impacts a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being, although its effects are not always immediately visible. This lack of visibility often leads to misdiagnosis or a failure to recognise the impact of trauma on an individual. This is particularly true for those who experience developmental or complex trauma, where multiple or prolonged traumatic events occur. These individuals may exhibit symptoms similar to those of Autism and ADHD, such as difficulties with social interaction, mood regulation, and concentration.
Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects communication skills, social interactions, and behaviour patterns. While its definitive cause is still unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to its onset. Autism symptoms vary widely among individuals but can include challenges with eye contact, delayed speech and language development, repetitive behaviours, and difficulties in social situations. Diagnosing Autism typically involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of specialists, including psychologists, paediatricians/psychiatrists, and speech therapists. Additionally, parents or caregivers play a crucial role in providing information about the child's behaviours and development.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its symptoms can include difficulties with attention and impulsivity, leading to challenges in daily activities. The diagnosis process involves a thorough evaluation of a person's medical history, behaviour patterns, and potential underlying conditions that may contribute to their symptoms. It's worth noting that these symptoms often overlap with those of high anxiety levels, highlighting the importance of gathering developmental information during the assessment.
It is vital to recognise that trauma, Autism, and ADHD can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background. Unfortunately, many individuals with these conditions do not have access to or awareness of essential mental healthcare services. It's important to understand that these conditions can manifest in various ways and impact each individual differently. Therefore, when seeking an assessment for any of these conditions, it is crucial to remember that there are no shortcuts. I always recommend that a person speaks to a few different professionals to see what their processes around such diagnosis are and then choose the process that feels right and comprehensive to them. This process takes time to guarantee the accuracy of the final diagnosis. Keep in mind that online diagnosis for Autism is not really possible as such a diagnosis requires an evaluation of non-verbal communication skills, which cannot be accurately determined over video.
If you or your child has been recently diagnosed with ASD & ADHD you can have a look at Michaela's 40min session "Creating insight into ASD & ADHD (for adults)", or the caregiver version "Creating insight into your child's ASD & ADHD (for caregivers)".
If you want to learn more about feelings and emotions and gain a variety of skills to manage them, enrol in our online course Working with Emotions, which will guide you to understand what you feel and how that manifests in your body, mind, and actions.