For decades, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has been perceived as a condition that primarily affects young, hyperactive boys who struggle to sit still in classrooms. This profoundly ingrained stereotype has led to a widespread misunderstanding of how ADHD manifests in women and girls, leaving many to suffer in silence, dismissed and misdiagnosed. The lived […]
Up Close and Personal – The World Is Too Much
I step into a bustling train station, and a wall of sound hits me. Fluorescent lights buzz at a frequency only I can hear, and each loudspeaker announcement is jarring. My senses amplify everything—clothing feels like sandpaper against my skin, smells intermingle into an overwhelming cloud and the cacophony of chatter and footsteps pounds in […]
Minecraft as a Safe Haven: How Neurodivergent Gamers Use It for Sensory and Emotional Regulation
For many neurodivergent individuals, video games are more than just entertainment—they serve as essential tools for self-regulation, emotional processing, and sensory engagement. Among these, Minecraft stands out as a uniquely adaptable and immersive experience that caters to a wide range of sensory and emotional needs. Its open-world design, customisable gameplay, and predictable yet interactive environment makes it particularly well-suited for […]
The Link Between Sensory Sensitivities and Emotion Regulation
Sensory processing and emotional regulation are deeply interconnected, shaping how individuals navigate their environments, process stimuli, and respond to everyday challenges. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, particularly those who are hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input, emotional regulation can be significantly impacted. When sensory input is overwhelming, the ability to self-soothe, manage frustration, and adapt to unexpected changes becomes more […]
Can Sensory Sensitivities Impact Family Dynamics?
Families function as dynamic systems where each member’s needs, behaviours, and preferences shape daily life. When one or more family members experience sensory sensitivities, these interactions become even more complex. Sensory sensitivities—whether hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness)—can influence everything from social interactions to household routines and emotional well-being. Unlike physical disabilities that are often visible, sensory sensitivities are internal experiences that […]
Can Sensory Sensitivities Influence Cognition?
Sensory sensitivity plays a crucial role in cognition and learning, particularly for neurodivergent students, including those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input from the environment. When a student is hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory stimuli, this can significantly influence their ability to focus, […]
Two sides of a coin?
I am a loud proponent of neurodiversity. Maybe the reason why the idea resonates with me so strongly lies within 4 letters: ADHD. The concept is recent and possibly too young still to be a model in its own right and be allowed to take a seat next to its cousins the medical, social and […]
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