Documenting Experiences
with Mental Illness
& Neuro-Divergence
Underdiagnosed and Overstressed
Gender plays a huge role in the diagnosis and support of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. Current research suggests that the prevalence of ADHD in young AMAB individuals is 2–2.5 times higher than its prevalence in young AFAB individuals. People socialized as women are also taught to suppress “undesirable” behavior to a greater degree. Institutions need to do better in representing all genders in their research.
Don’t Save Your Tears
Since getting my diagnosis of ADHD at age 22 (I am now 23), a lot of things have started to make sense, especially my sensitivity. Many neurodivergent people struggle with emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity dysphoria, which makes nearly every negative thing an enormous deal, even if it was tiny to begin with.