Section 1.1: The Empowering Assessment Experience

During my assessment for Autism, I anticipated a quick check-in, but the conversation turned out to be profoundly uplifting. The doctor utilized humor, which I appreciated, and asked me to guess my assessment score—surprisingly, I exceeded the minimum requirement by a significant margin. He noted that I exemplified Autism traits in all areas assessed.

One question particularly stood out: “What is your gift?” This phrasing was significant; he assumed I possessed one. It was refreshing to hear someone highlight the positives of an Autism diagnosis, prompting me to reflect on my own strengths. Identifying your gift is the first step towards discovering your personal buzz.

My response highlighted my creativity and meticulous attention to detail. I’m currently channeling my creativity into writing children’s stories, while my detail-oriented nature has earned praise from even the most discerning employers. Interestingly, I struggle with remembering names and titles but can easily spot numerical discrepancies.

In my home life, I have an uncanny ability to recall where items are located, which helps my family when they misplace things. This skill is a product of my ADHD coping mechanisms and my preference for order stemming from my Autism.

Reflecting on this conversation still brings me joy. I have long sensed that I possessed hidden talents, but discussing them openly and linking them to my Autism was liberating. These gifts deserve acknowledgment rather than concealment, as many neurodivergent individuals often feel compelled to hide them.

Next, we discussed ADHD, and the doctor's advice on maintaining balance in life proved invaluable.

In the first video, "Neurodivergent Exercise Myths, Motivations, & Joyful Movement," Micaelah Barb discusses the importance of movement and its impact on neurodivergent individuals.

Section 1.2: Breaking the Cycle of Fear

The doctor noted my experience with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) in my twenties. Although I’ve recovered, I must remain vigilant against falling back into unhealthy patterns. During the winter, I often found myself resting excessively, fearing that a minor illness would worsen, leading to more downtime.

As I articulated this, I recognized that I was repeating old habits. Excessive rest, when unnecessary, is a fear-driven response, marking the beginning of a detrimental cycle that previously led to my CFS/ME.

Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash

Section 1.3: Discovering Your Daily Buzz

The doctor emphasized the critical nature of finding activities that provide a sense of fulfillment—what he referred to as “buzz.” Everyone's source of buzz varies. For me, it’s engaging in writing—whether crafting stories or articles. This sense of productivity fuels me, especially during challenging times when achieving tasks seems daunting.

My husband and I are currently on a mission to declutter our home. This project has become a new source of buzz for us, resulting in a sense of accomplishment that motivates us further.

Section 1.4: The Importance of Balance

The doctor also highlighted the need for a balance between mental and physical activities, which is often overlooked by neurotypical individuals. For those of us with neurodivergent brains, this imbalance can lead to a downward spiral of stagnation, making it difficult to escape.

Photo by Bekir Dönmez on Unsplash

Section 1.5: Embracing Movement

I used to resist the urge to move when I felt restless at my desk. However, I’ve learned to embrace those feelings. Now, when I feel the need to fidget, I switch to a task that energizes me. This shift has significantly boosted my productivity and creativity, allowing me to accomplish more in less time.

Even the simplest tasks can yield remarkable results. For example, organizing a cluttered cupboard can bring a sense of clarity and peace that lasts long after the task is complete.

Utilizing the mantra, "If I'm sitting, I need to engage my brain; if I'm not, I should get up," has transformed my approach to productivity.