Neurodivergent Survival Cycle
- Stage 1: ADHDers face reoccurring harm and trauma (e.g., stigma, othering)
- Stage 2: Negative impact on self-worth, beliefs, and emotional stability
- Stage 3: Survival strategies to cope and prevent further trauma
- Stage 4: Overlooked needs and inadequate support
- Stage 5: Cumulative overwhelm (e.g., neurodivergent burnout, CPTSD)
- Breaking the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle handout
Identify Unmet Neurodivergent Needs
- Identify neurodivergent needs
- Neurodivergent needs are often minimized or dismissed
- Why access needs are not optional
- Help ADHDers recognize and advocate for their needs
Integrate Trauma-Informed and Neuro-Affirming Approaches
- Overlapping principles of trauma-informed and neuroafirming care
- Use the COMPASS mnemonic as a guide to neuroaffirming care
- Apply strategies that are neuro-affirming and trauma-informed
- Practice skills through ADHD case examples
- Limitations of research and potential risks


