supporting neurodiverse people
for neurodiverse people, building resilience begins with energy management, understanding their emotions and recognising the adjustments they may need
Neurodiversity recognises that variations in how the brain functions – like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia – are natural. These conditions may also co-exist. It’s estimated that 15 to 20% of the Scottish population are neurodiverse.
Neurodivergent people are statistically more likely to live with mental health issues and often face heightened stress levels due to the challenges of navigating a world primarily designed for neurotypical people. Societal expectations, difficulties in adjusting daily routines and barriers to acceptance can all contribute to feelings of exhaustion and being overwhelmed, leading to burnout or trauma.
Experiences such as bullying, difficulties in personal relationships, social isolation or loneliness and a lack of acceptance or belonging can exacerbate feelings of stress and contribute to mental health challenges.
Around 65% of people supported in the past by Change Mental Health’s Resilience service in Tayside and Fife are neurodiverse. Each neurodiverse person is unique. Understanding their specific needs, strengths and challenges are essential for effective support. Supporting these individuals means helping them identify their strengths and challenges while introducing practical tools to manage daily routines.
practical tools when supporting neurodiverse people
Task management tools
We offer clients different tools and apps for task management like TickTick, Flora and Eisenhower Box, but most importantly, we support them in learning how to break down tasks into manageable steps.
Environment adjustments
We offer one-on-one support in a safe, comfy and sensory-friendly environment with adjustments like dimmed lights. We actively promote using fidget tools, plushies and comforters like weighted blankets during our work and in the outside world.
Language and communication
We use direct language and active listening to provide clear and explicit communication. All appointments are followed by a task list in the email agreed with the person supported. When instructions and expectations are clearly stated, neurodivergent people are better equipped to take appropriate actions and make informed decisions.
“Adjustments don’t always have to be big. To help me stay focused during meetings or presentations, I edit information as it is spoken and take notes. I prefer to write long-hand with a fountain pen in a specific colour of ink on squared paper. This allows me to section off important information and tasks, which I highlight in specific colours so nothing is missed, which helps lower stress.
“My energy is used directly and makes the task enjoyable, rather than struggling to focus and becoming anxious.”
Mhairi Wild, working for Resilience and Carer Support services in Tayside
working with emotional awareness
Emotional awareness is crucial for effective regulation. Introducing strategies to build awareness of one’s emotional and bodily states can help individuals better understand and manage their emotions. Those strategies could include:
- journalling
- body scan exercises
- visual aids like emotion wheels and charts or mood meters
Our Resilience service team uses the Decider skills to support people and two self-developed tools: a seascape and a lifejacket. The seascape is a mood meter that helps people identify where they are with their mood using a visual representation of different weathers. The lifejacket allows people to work with six different areas of their life: purpose, self-awareness, adaptability, health, motivation and connection.
working with energy awareness
Understanding and managing daily energy levels can help prevent burnout and promote a balanced lifestyle. Here are several concepts to enhance energy awareness:
Energy checks
Keep a daily log of energy levels at different times, using visual tools like charts and posted notes to identify patterns and pinpoint when they are most productive or need rest.
Energy givers and takers
Create lists or charts to categorise activities, environments and interactions as energy givers (recharge and rejuvenate) or energy takers (deplete energy). Prioritise energy-giving activities while minimising or managing energy-taking ones by setting boundaries, delegating tasks or scheduling regular breaks.
Circle of control
To use the circle of control, first distinguish between what you can control (your actions, responses, self-care) and what you can’t (the actions of others, external events). Draw a diagram or use the template to map these out, highlighting areas within your influence. This will help you focus your energy on what you can manage and reduce stress about things beyond your control.
Window of tolerance
The window of tolerance is a state in which you feel safe, engaged, present and adaptable to changes, which allows you to handle stress better. To improve your window of tolerance, introduce practices like:
- breathwork and meditation
- cold exposure
- exercise and movement
- nutritious diet, especially full of Omega-3s
- connection with others and laughter
- singing and humming
Thriving as a neurodivergent individual in a neurotypical world requires resilience and support. A key to developing enhanced coping mechanisms and resilience is working with professionals who work with neurodiverse people.
“There is a general lack of awareness and acceptance across all support sectors, some more than others. I hope that the recently published research paper from Striving to Transform:Autism Research Together – Scotland (STARTS) will clearly identify these deficits, both institutional and financial, highlighting the negative impact it has on the neurodiverse community, which directly leads to poor mental health.”
– said Mhairi Wild, working for Resilience and Carer Support service in Tayside
The Resilience Service can offer one-to-one person-centred support for energy management, task management, emotional awareness and self-advocacy. We can also refer to other organisations offering suitable support for help with benefits, employment rights and adjustments, housing and access to peer support groups.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
other support
Scottish Autism provides a range of services for autistic people including education, day and vocational opportunities, supported living and outreach services.
The National Autistic Society Scotland offers support, guidance, and campaigning efforts to improve the lives of autistic individuals. They provide various services such as family support, adult residential services and employment support.
ENABLE Scotland works with people who have learning disabilities and additional support needs, including those who are neurodiverse. They offer a range of services like supported living, employment support, and community projects aimed at promoting inclusion and opportunities.