Characteristics and Coping Strategies of Neurodivergent Individuals 2
2025.08.16
Hello, my name is Tatsuya Arakawa, Licensed Mental Health Therapist in the State of California.
In a previous article on the traits and strategies for neurodivergent individuals, I discussed one of the key characteristics—difficulty adapting to changes in the environment. In this article, I will talk about what can be done specifically to address this challenge.
First, it is important to determine whether the environmental change is causing significant disruption in daily life. Disruptions may include symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as difficulty concentrating or irritability, or symptoms of depression, such as sleep disturbances or persistent low mood. If such disruptions are present, it is important to address them as early as possible. On the other hand, if no disruptions are present, it may not be a significant problem at the moment, and simply being mindful may be enough. However, one point to keep in mind is that some people may be unaware of the disruptions they are experiencing or may convince themselves that they are unaffected. In such cases, support from those around them becomes especially important.
If disruptions are present, here are some specific actions individuals can take:
1. Accept the problem
The first step is to acknowledge the issue as a problem. This is by no means easy—in fact, accepting it can be one of the hardest steps. Without acceptance, it is difficult to adopt a mindset of problem-solving, and many people instead try to convince themselves there is no problem and suppress their feelings. Unfortunately, this does not make the problem disappear. In fact, leaving such issues unaddressed often causes them to worsen, leading to greater distress over time.
2. Recognize that struggling is natural
For neurodivergent individuals, environmental changes are generally unwelcome, even when the changes are positive, such as a promotion. Therefore, rather than criticizing yourself by thinking, “I shouldn’t be struggling over something like this,” it is important to embrace yourself with the mindset that “it’s natural to feel this way.” While this may not eliminate the distress, it can help ease it.
3. Engage in activities you enjoy
Many neurodivergent individuals avoid spending time on activities they enjoy, often due to the pressure to quickly adapt to new environments. However, doing things you love is especially important during difficult times. It doesn’t matter what the activity is—start small, but make time for what brings you joy.
4. Seek support
Trying to solve problems entirely on your own is often challenging. Start by talking to someone you trust. Be as open as possible about what you’re struggling with. If talking about it feels too difficult, simply spending enjoyable time together can also help.
5. Reevaluate your daily habits
Improving your daily routines will not automatically eliminate distress, but it can often reduce it. For example, if you’re having trouble sleeping but are consuming excessive caffeine throughout the day, it is only natural that falling asleep would be difficult. Examining such habits can be a good starting point.
6. Consult a professional
That said, if, for example, your sleep difficulties are caused by depression, improving daily habits alone may not be enough to resolve the problem. If disruptions have persisted for some time, and you have tried various strategies without significant improvement, seeking professional help is important.
I hope this information provides you with helpful and accurate knowledge.
Tatsuya Arakawa, LMFT(82425)