Life in the miND

⭐️lets talk about ADHD⭐️

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
According to NHS UK:

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be categorised into 2 types of behavioural problems:

1. Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
2. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness

People who have ADHD might...
⭐️Have trouble maintaining attention and focus and may be easily distracted or constantly changing tasks.
⭐️Make careless mistakes or appear to not be listening in work and school
⭐️Struggle with organisation and often avoid doing tasks that require mental effort.
⭐️Be unable to sit still: Constant fidgeting such as tapping hands or feet, pacing whilst on the phone, constantly moving in seat.
⭐️Interrupt others whilst talking as well as talking excessively and find they are unable to wait their turn.
⭐️Act or talk without thinking

Some researchers have suggested that ADHD has become a ‘trend’ on social media platforms such as TikTok “with some individuals seeking a diagnosis after watching videos about ADHD on the platform.” (Yeung 2022)

Researcher Anthony Yeung’s study shared that over half of the videos studied, from TikTok, where misleading with some videos that “misattributed transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms as being specific only to ADHD, including anxiety, depression, anger, relationship conflicts, dissociation, and mood swings” (Yeung 2022)

Social media platforms can provide guidance on managing symptoms and help spread awareness and understanding. With many people discovering they have ADHD in Adulthood, these videos can become a valuable resource and safe space for people to explore their neurodivergence.

“TikTok, and other social media, has done a great job in promoting awareness of neurodiversity and ADHD. People aren’t catching ADHD on tiktok ~ they are learning what ADHD is and recognising it in themselves.” (ADHD UK 2024)

⭐️What aspects of ADHD do you think we need to talk about more?

Let us know in the comments 🙂
Want to find out more:
ADHD UK
www.adhduk.co.uk
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
www.add.org
Chadd
www.chadd.org
ADHD Foundation
www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
ADHD adult
www.adhdadult.uk

⭐lets talk about ⭐

The National Autistic Society describe autism as “a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world” (Autism.org.uk)

Autism is not a condition that one can have, but rather, it is an inherent part of an individual's identity. You are born autistic, and therefore, being autistic is who you are.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) “is the medical name for autism” (nhs.uk)
Asperger's (or Asperger syndrome) was a previously used term for Autistic people with “average or above average intelligence.” (NHS Sept 2022)

This term is no longer used as a diagnostic term. However, some people who have been diagnosed with it before, may still use this term.

“Autism is considered a spectrum because it’s different for every autistic person” (NHS inform Nov 2023) Meaning each person has different characteristics along with their own personal strengths and weaknesses, unique to them.
However, ‘on the spectrum’ has often been frivolously used to describe people who show characteristics of autism, such as social awkwardness.

Using this term as a casual slur can often lead to myths and misunderstandings about Autism.

T.V shows and other popular culture contribute to the casual use of this term. Shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory’ created characters who are “facetiously associated with autism” (mic.com 2016) where characteristics of Autism were seen as ‘quirks’ and comedy.

People who are Autistic might:
✨communicate and use language differently to most people
✨have a specific ways of doing things, and can find it difficult to do them differently
✨find is hard to understand how other people think or feel
✨Seek out or avoid certain sensations such as loud noises, specific textures or bright lights
✨Have Repetitive behaviours and patterns such as stimming, tapping, hand flapping, twirling hair. Some repetitive actions can help individuals feel calm such as taking the same route to work or school
✨Have “intense and highly focused interests” (National Autistic society 2023)

Many women, girls and non-binary people can struggle to receive a diagnosis or are misdiagnosed. “Some tools used to diagnose autism are designed to identify autistic characteristics that may be more common in autistic men and boys.” (National Autistic Society 2023)

Find out more:
National Autistic Society
www.autism.org.uk
Ambitious about Autis
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Autism Independent
www.autismuk.com
Autistica
www.autistica.org.uk
NHS UK
www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism
Autism Central - Resources
www.autismcentral.org.uk/resources

What aspects of Autism do you think we need to talk about more?
let us know in the comments 🙂

Our funding has come to an end, We are hoping to find funding for future seasons but at the moment this is our final episode. The team talk about what they’ve learned over the last two years and current terminology in the world of Neurodivergence.

📺Watch here: https://youtu.be/gSo9YwYwKGA?si=jRuu1xzz8dbjeu1k
👉Download here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-75tjv-1970ce8?download=1
🎧Listen here: https://lifeinthemind.podbean.com/



Life in the MiND is a podcast for, by and about Neurodivergent people. We interview people from all walks of life about their experiences, we also tackle topics facing them and the community.

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LifeinthemiND - Series 2 episode 23 - So long ND thanks for all the fish. Our final episode! Our funding has come to an end, We are hoping to find funding for future seasons but at the moment this is our final episode. The team tal...

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We often talk about the challenges, but dyslexia can also be a real asset in the workplace.
From creative problem-solving and big-picture thinking to resilience and strong verbal communication, dyslexic minds bring something different and powerful to the table!

Share your strengths in the comments below ⬇

Hello folks, we need your help!
We would like to know why talking about neurodivergence is important to YOU.

- Maybe you feel seen when neurodivergence is talked about in the media
- Maybe you are neurotypical and are trying to make the world better for your loved ones
- Maybe you feel like talking about being ND helps to reduce stigma.

Please let us know in the comments, we'd love to hear from you!