Self-awareness in Neurodivergence

Victimization and Criticism stop us from Achieving.

Self-awareness and Acceptance are the antonyms of Victimization and Criticism.
The latter are the main obstacles in ADHD, although common in Autism to a lesser extent.

Autism and ASD are two distinct disorders sharing some traits.

Autism normally requires institutionalization.
ASD was formerly known as Asperger Syndrome and is highly co-morbid with NPD = Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
The two conditions are offensively referred to as ‘Low-functioning/High-functioning Autism’, a topic I’ll discuss extensively in future articles.
Just so you know, there is only One diagnosis of Autism thus far.
ASD doesn’t require institutionalization.
I have an autistic institutionalized brother, don’t try to challenge me with populist rhetoric, I’ve been ridiculed big time on the subject, I don’t stand the test anymore, I know all too well.
Forgive the emotional outburst, I live only for my brother and wife.
My parents are long gone, the pain is often unbearable.

To date, I score predominantly on ADHD, and I am grateful for my strong empathy.
Helping others is my biggest motivation and reward.

I don’t get along well with pathological ‘know it all’ ASDers. 
Their concept of friendship is Convenience: if they need your help, they become best buddies, once achieved their goals they discard you on the spot without resentment. 
They generally excel financially, henceforth better off with addressing their obsessions to expensive life-coaches on a “see you later”, non-committal fashion.
No offence intended, I just speak from personal experience.

Commitment is very along the lines with self-awareness and acceptance. 
One doesn’t become aware in the blink of an eye. Difficult task in ADHD. 

Professionals have coined the expression “Staying on Task”.
Why are awareness and acceptance fundamental to staying on task?

The ADHD brain is constantly wandering around, stimulant medication is a key element to achieve awareness. Awareness enhances Acceptance, Motivation and Self-esteem in succession.

Motivation is the driving force behind Reward.
People who are eager to start a new workday are a rarity.
The solution is seeing the reward at the end of the day, Motivation.
If you can’t see the light, seek reward in volunteering, but don’t enter the mindless pursuit, Addiction.

Acceptance is of big help for patience, reward doesn’t come straight.
As far as you try, you are never a failure.
The more you try, the more you’ll develop Self-esteem.

Don’t be a victim.



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Bullying of Neurodivergent

Autistics are still bullied. Teachers must tackle and recognize neurodiversity in its first manifestations.

Autistics are often victims of bullying in school.

There is still no anti-Bullying law, although schools are taking serious actions, recently.

Back in my day, bullying was totally ignored and perpetrated by teachers themselves.
That made me feel an underachiever.
I wish I was born 20 years later.

My Christian faith was not that strong back then.

My worry is not being accepted by young generations.
I wish I was appreciated by my young personality, not my biological age.

I’m full of initiative, I just need people to pave the way for me.









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Nervous breakdown

Is Burnout a symptom or synonymous with Brokenness?

Medical jargon is being updated to unprecedented extents, complicit Online Medicine. Nowadays, people consult Medical sites prior to visiting doctors. Online diagnoses are Medical frauds.

Burnout is the result of long-term stress.

Cortisol is the main stress-hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to fear, logically of calming properties.
Quite the contrary: Cortisol damages Dendrites, thin filaments attached to neurons involved in memory.
‘Dendritic Retraction’, the shriveling up of dendrites with consequent severe memory loss in chronic stress, is the outcome.

The function of Cortisol is to erase fearful emotions, nonetheless, it has proven a dysfunctional non-selective hormone by disrupting all spatial memory.
Cognitive Impairment is the ultimate result.

Keeping a regular sleep-routine remains the first preventive measure.
There is no specific cure yet for Memory Decline.
Prevention associated to a healthy lifestyle, always provides the best protection from disease.




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Social Narratives

Some new types of therapy deprive neurodivergents of their dignity for conformity through ethically questionable methods.

Social narratives are a kind of repetitive behavioral therapy used for subjects with severe learning disabilities.
Although results are quite satisfactory, I personally associate a certain extent of humiliation to it.
Repetition is always synonymous with poor performance.
We’re talking of mere repetition of actions to be mindlessly memorized and carried out automatically for the purpose of conforming to neurotypical behavior.
I understand there are circumstances where standards are to be met either for safety or consideration, despite believing in more humane approaches.

Social Narratives are what was formerly called ‘Role-playing’ in a pre-Internet society.
We re starting to realize how badly the social media have enslaved us.
New vocabulary invented by technology is introduced daily.
I’m not against ameliorating syntax, but what we’re doing now is destroying languages: we pronounce words individually, grammar is off the charts, all for the sake of media.

What differentiates ‘Social Narratives’ from ‘Role-playing’?
The outcome is basically the same.
The byproduct is different: with Social Narratives we create functional humans by erasing thought-processing.
With ‘Role-playing’ we can achieve conformation to non-erratic behavior by stimulating thought-processing.

Now, everybody has a dignity, even the cognitive impaired.
Thought-processing is dignified.
Depriving a person of their dignity equals Cloning, the frightening new frontier of Globalization.

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Mental Brokenness

Neurodivergence from a traumatic perspective.

Brokenness is rooted in the past, although we experience it in the present.

Nowadays, psychology is abused by unqualified, self-proclaimed therapists and life-coaches, primarily accounting for former Social Workers with basic skills in Crisis Intervention, their first appeal to many NDs who lost trust in Mental Health Professionals.

Medical insurances don’t cover these holistic practices for lack of scientific evidence, yet the law allows them to operate as in private facilities.

There are four responses to brokenness as described by psychologists:
Denial, Distraction, Sadness and Despair, ultimately culminating in Mercy-seeking.
Charlatans know it well: they sell Mercy.
Why not Professionals?
In this instance, we must enter the sensitive field of Medical Ethics.

Doctors must show empathy without getting emotionally involved with patients.
Have you ever wondered why doctors can’t treat their family members…?
Unfortunately, some Mental Health Professionals fail to compartmentalise these two skills, in so becoming apathetic and encouraging patients to look for unhealthy alternatives.

Denial and Distraction have a lot in common, the former being a Delusion, the latter a Coping strategy.
Eventually, Sadness takes over.
The last stage of Sadness is Despair.

Brokenness has a different chemistry from Clinical Depression.
MDD is characterized by hopelessness and it’s not necessarily post-traumatic.
Brokenness is always the outcome of past Hurt, a form of ‘mystical PTSD’: sufferers have normally a solid faith that keeps them going, but not always in the right direction. 
They’re easily lured in search of Mercy.

Mercy has multiple implications for the mentally ill: it is the Longing to be heard, to be healed, for empathy.
Very few can find real mercy in holistic practices, if not just for the fees…

I wish Professionals would show empathy to their clients, in addition to coldly prescribing the latest treatment.

That could make the difference.

Neurodiversity can manifest overly introverted or extroverted. 
It can be upsetting to the NT who must put in a lot of effort to empathize with the ND by Listening non-judgementally, through impersonating into their mindset.
It is no secret that the mentally unstable crave for Attention.

We hear all the time about celebrities with multiple diagnoses of BPD, Bipolar, ADHD, ASD……, eventually claiming of having been misdiagnosed, nonetheless a component of the show-business for glamour, take it with a large grain of salt, I’m yet to see a neurotypical celebrity.

Some neuroscientists regard Psychiatry as pseudoscience struggling to keep a foothold, before getting inevitably embodied into Neurology.
Thankfully, psychiatrists know a good deal of neurology, they are MDs with a solid pharmacological orientation.
I’m positive about the integration with brain-circuitry oriented Neurology.






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Too much at stake

The aftermath of happy memories.

Too much at stake is a cry for help.
This week I have too much at stake.

It is possibly the worst state of mind to me: I feel out of touch, I can’t cope, I’m not able to multitask, I lack support and diversions, visual representations trigger me, sleep is not resting.

The Past sucks my happiness, I wish I could erase it permanently.
I dread memories since they belong to the past. The past is addictive like a recreational drug: the euphoria is always followed by crashing. Unfortunately, memories can’t be erased naturally.
I’m disassociating.

I knew it was going to happen. 

I couldn’t refrain from watching a documentary about my country in the hope of the euphoric reaction into bringing up happy memories.
It worked just fine while watching, only to be followed by unbearable nostalgia the next day.
I pretend to be there by detaching from reality.
It’s scary and draining.
My concentration swings dramatically between locations.

I can’t wait for the second episode tonight since it’s a five episode’ series.
It will be a spark of adrenaline and excitement, a temporary relief, an addiction.
The nostalgia will keep building up.
It will be a miserable week.

I have no options: my neurotypical wife loves my country and wants to watch with me in the capacity of commentator.
A typical example of co-dependency.I know how she craves Europe.

How long will it take for me to recover?
I m lucky to see my psychiatrist next week, that will help some…
Disassociating is not the solution.

Again, my dear autistic friends, choose carefully which means of entertainment work best for you.

And most importantly, keep in mind that adrenaline rushes are always followed by the deepest crashes.

It doesn’t pay off.

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Self-punishment

We know little of Self-harm. The main dilemma remains whether it is a conscious or subconscious act. It is generally dismissed as OCD, a non-specific condition itself.

Self-harm is not a diagnosis, it is a compulsion.
OCD is a co-morbid diagnosis.
‘Co-morbid’ means ‘underlying, multiple’.In turn, ‘underlying’ means ‘hiding’ in popular language.
We’re naturally unaware of hidden entities.
This would be eloquent to classify Self-harm as a subconscious action, yet OCD sufferers are fully aware of their irrational rituals still, unable to resist them.
Abating Anxiety is the established general consensus.
What goes against human psychology, is why Pain would abate Anxiety.
Quite the opposite, Pain is a major trigger of Anxiety in neurotypical individuals.

I support the ‘Self-punishment’ theory.

Talking from a male perspective: all men know how to avoid razor cuts, although a large number can’t help with it.
Refraining requires Willingness.
Willingness requires Commitment.
Commitment is a conscious choice.
No man is willing to cut his face, unless masochistic, a perversion rather than illness.
Forget shaving-tutorials and safety-razors. In the right mindset, you won’t hurt.

If I am in the throes of Guilt, I ll make a battlefield of my face even with the top state-of-the-art’ safety razor.
If I am gripped by Reward, I can clean-shave with a rogue kitchen knife without a single scar. I am in full control.

When I feel guilty, unproductive, underachieving, I can’t stop stroking my face until I consciously see the blood.
I know perfectly well that I am going to hurt myself.

Based on my personal experience, I concord that OCD doesn’t affect Awareness, it is the Compulsion to self-discipline through physical or emotional Pain.


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Anxiety

Anxiety is the originator of all Mental Disorders. What we don’t know yet for sure, is the biology of anxiety. We know the triggers, although it is still unclear in what areas of the brain anxiety originates.

One of the most entertained hypotheses on the origins of Anxiety are the dopaminergic pathways involved in reward.
OCD, an omnipresent Compulsion in Anxiety, would appear to deplete dopamine by repetitive rewarding behavior.
Repetition is always tiring, even when producing positive effects.
I don’t believe in repetition, a mere automation to me excluding any thought process. In popular culture,  “learning by heart”, still a common practice between students just to get the grades. 

However, OCD is not only related to learning.
It affects hygiene, rituals…
Showering twice a day is draining, washing hands for anything we touch is daunting, etc.
A rewarding exercise becomes exhausting when long repeated.
Washing hands when dirty is rewarding. Washing hands half hour when not needed depletes dopamine hence increasing anxiety.

Based on this model, lack of Reward would be the cause of anxiety.
Too simple to be true.
The dilemma remains whether the neurotypical doesn’t indulge in Repetition for Reward.

Speculation is that anxious people don’t know how to “consume reward”, therefore repeating the same ritual over and over again

At this stage, we must enter academic literature which is not the nature of this article.

I welcome additional feedback from readers.


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Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD

When is the right time to make a choice?

The unification of Theology and Psychology

Decision-making is the benchmark of ADHD, although no trait is necessarily pathological exclusive. 
These days, we got into the habit of Labeling each behavior.
I can understand the convenience from a diagnostic criteria, not indispensable in everyday’ situations. A Label refers to Chronic conditions, despite behavioral dysfunctions can occur occasionally in any individual.
We all take decisions on a daily basis. Indecisiveness alone is not a Illness but a Dimension, therefore not permanent and self-treatable.
These dimensions are named Consolation and Desolation in theology, Indecision and Spontaneity in psychology, respectively.
To say, there is both a Spiritual and Intellectual side to these mindsets. Theology is the spiritual branch of Psychology, despite academically independent. A bureaucratic system only, since theologians are mostly religious Leaders and Theology is dominion of religious Institutions. 
I do look forward to the unification of Theology and Psychology in a single study course.

As of today, Theology defines Indecisiveness as a state of Desolation, whilst Decision-making as a state of Consolation.
The common denominator is Discernment, the final stage in taking a Decision.
This Interconnectivity is the natural antidote to Indecisiveness.

Desolation enhances Consolation by giving us time for Decision-analysis.
In other words, Desolation equals Discernment. Consolation equals Reward.

Psychology defines Desolation as Indecision.
Consolation as Spontaneity, synonymous to Self-esteem and Reward.

Different terminology for the same hopeful attitude.

Resilience of ADHD

Is Resilience fueled by Pride or a Virtue?
I talked about Desolation and Consolation in the context of Recovery.
Resilience is in fact a recovery process.

Most people attribute Desolation to Depression, two independent variables.
In lay terms, we can describe Desolation as Resilience, Depression as Hopelessness. 
See the discrepancy?

The main feature of Desolation is Discernment.
Discerning is not a illness. It is put in the context of desolation since Discerning involves lots of Thinking and Reasoning, which in turn, summarize in Responsibility. 
Decision-making is a responsibility. 

Responsibilities are normally rewarding in the long-term, although a certain degree of pressure is inevitable in the first stage however, Consolation as in Reward is to follow.
In Depression, there is no Consolation, despite the struggle being real.

On that basis, can we define Resilience as a Virtue or a chemical Reaction?

Resilience is defined as a Virtue in ADHD.
However, Dopamine and Adrenaline fuel Resilience in ADHD.
These two neurotransmitters are naturally deficient in ADHD.
This prompts the question: “Can Resilience be Pride in the Neurodivergent?”

Narcissism is a common component of manic behavior.

Excessive Dopamine and Adrenaline can trigger Mania, an inflated form of ego.

Speaking as ADHDer and practicing Christian, I am confident in that I am not a Prideful person.
On the other hand, I am not sure whether Resilience is a natural trait or the outcome of stimulant medication.
I have been on stimulants for 20 years and I know I can’t function without, I tried to no avail.

Is Spontaneity a more correct word for Resilience?
I support Spontaneity.
Your thoughts welcome.

MDD vs ADHD

Major Depressive Disorder-MDD- is the most misleading diagnostic symptom.
Depression is the most common form of Mental Illness.
It is also the most misused term.

The correct medical terminology for depression is ‘Clinical Depression’, shortened to MDD, Major Depressive Disorder.
The definition is time-sensitive only, in reality: the DSM considers Depression a permanent state of Sadness over two weeks, regardless of major, minor, mild, etc.
What’s the purpose of Major then…?
Depression, or sadness, hits hard from the first day. ‘Major’ is a pure bureaucratic term for ‘Real’. A good psychiatrist doesn’t need two weeks to identify Clinical Depression, but must observe the DSM protocol for diagnosing.

The problem is, many co-morbid disorders can develop in two weeks.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be MDD, although practitioners make up their minds from the first visit and don’t look for options.

ADHD turns out to be the most versatile disorder in mental health following MDD.
To say that the two conditions are often misdiagnosed for one another.
In turn, ADHD is highly co-morbid with Autism however, it could be MDD.

This can be disastrous for treatment.
I believe mental health professionals would be better off without DSM.

MDD is typically treated with antidepressants targeting Serotonin, SSRI s.
ADHD is typically treated with amphetamines targeting Dopamine.

What are the effects on Autism? 
MDD is experienced by autistics too.
There is no specific pharmacological treatment for Autism.

We mess up a lot with medications.
Off-label treatment is often the most effective for this very reason.

Conformity is the most reliable diagnostic tool for ADHD.
ADHDers can’t conform. Conformity is Boredom in ADHD and dreaded to death.
From this, the co-morbidity with Autism and MDD.

Since single diagnoses are virtually impossible, I believe in a Co-morbid approach in Mental Health, at least in the initial stages.
The results will highlight the most appropriate interventions.



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Executive Dysfunction

Description: It is not yet understood whether Executive Dysfunction is a Signal or Neurotransmission s disruption.

Brain anatomy alone is worth a whole encyclopedia.
Since this is not an academic journal, I’ll dissect the brain in its main 3 regions: Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem.
Although interconnected, some researchers entertain the notion of 3 separate brains within the cranial cortex: the Cerebrum is the largest anterior portion associated with Action. The Cerebellum is the smaller posterior portion where Neuronal Signals originate. The Brainstem is the lowest posterior portion connected to the Spinal Cord, processing tactile and motion nerve signals.

The Cerebellum is mostly associated with Spectrum Disorders.
Speculation wants that the Cerebellum and Cerebrum are disconnected in ADHD.
This would explain Procrastination, the failure to take action in the long-term.

The logic would be that stimulant-induced Dopamine and Adrenaline as in Neurotransmission, enhance Signals from the Cerebellum to the Cerebrum through electric synaptic impulses.
Dysfunctional brain electrical-activity is responsible for several disorders, Epilepsy the most common…

A Signal can be a thought, a decision, a memory, a skill, an intention…
When Signals don’t travel to the anterior Cerebrum, the first visible manifestations are Time Blindness, Lack of Motivation, Crisis, Burnout, all linked to Executive Dysfunction.

You will remember that healthy Executive Functioning revolves around Learning.
The same is for Dysfunction.
I will analyze how the aforementioned effects impair Memory and Learning.

Time Blindness is the first symptom of failing Signaling.
When Signals don’t reach the Cerebrum, we can’t execute them, therefore we lose the sense of urgency, referred to as  ‘Time Blindness’, literally: the sufferer cannot distinguish between day and night, the Circadian Rhythm acts on Fatigue only in order to put us to sleep, regardless of light or darkness.
A potentially fatal condition in the long-run.

With no sense of urgency, we automatically lose Motivation by tackling deadlines on the last day, reminded by the calendar or notebook. This ‘induced’ Sense of Urgency turns into a Sense of Crisis, or a State of Panic and Mania combined: Sparking adrenaline puts us in a 24 hours nonstop Work-mode.
Eventually, we do the job, not without paying the inevitable ultimate Price: Burnout.

For the record, Burnout is former Nervous Breakdown, far more explicitly dramatic defined and universally comprehensible.
Burnout is laughed off by youngsters who think it’s a harmless joke recovering in a good overnight sleep… far from truth.
Burnout can be irreversible or trigger multiple mental and physical illnesses.

Neurodivergence is NOT awesome, let’s stop pretending and advocate for Awareness and Acceptance instead!
This is real Empowerment, not praising our miseries.

Rant said, what’s the cure?
There is no cure.
Medications target symptoms, not illness, a more profitable approach for pharmaceuticals, nevertheless.
Literature is plentiful. The answers always equal and partial.
As for ADHD, Reward enhancing dopaminergic compounds are the only solution.

There are Solutions to everything. Cures for nothing.


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