Neurodiversity and Exhaustion #EdChat #Neurodivergent

One of the things that people do not understand about Neurodivergent people is how tiring it can be to be neurodivergent. 

You see, hiding how neurodivergent you are on a day to day basis is tiring. It is easier to just hide the differences than it is to constantly explain to people why you are acting or responding a certain way. Constantly wearing a mask that shows everyone that everything is wonderful is taxing. It's really tough for the loved ones at home. 

At the end of a day of hiding neurodivergent tendencies, all filters are spent. All of the energy keeping it together has been spent and people at home get the husk of what remains. 

As adults, we are conditioned to keep "a stiff upper lip" or "fake it until you make it" approach to living life. That is easier said than done. For children who have not learned some, if any, coping techniques, the end of the day can be a minefield for parents. 

No easy solution can be found to solve all of the anxiety and exhaustion that being neurodivergent can bring.  The only thing neurodivergent people can do is ask others to be understanding and, for teachers specifically, think about the burden your neurodivergent students are carrying as they try to navigate childhood while trying to hide their neurodivergence from their peers. 

Lead with kindness. 

NP