In this second part of the conversation, Johanna Badenhorst and Ashlee Wells discuss the intersection of neurodivergence and perinatal mental health. They explore the differences between neurodivergence and mood disorders, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent women in motherhood. They also highlight the importance of online support and validation for neurodivergent individuals. Ashlee provides insights into the indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period, such as difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities. They also discuss the impact of negative self-concepts and external feedback on the mental health of neurodivergent women. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers, particularly those with ADHD and autism. It highlights the impact of societal expectations, mental load, and sensory overload on their well-being. Strategies for managing these challenges are discussed, including therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, and setting boundaries. The importance of partner support and seeking professional help is emphasised. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about folding fitted sheets and mismatched socks.

Visit Ashlee Wells via her website ⁠⁠www.wellspsychology.com.au⁠⁠ or on her instagram @wells_psychology

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Key Takeaways

• Neurodivergent women may experience challenges in motherhood that are different from those without neurodivergence.

• Online support and validation can be crucial for neurodivergent individuals.
• Indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period include difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities.
• Negative self-concepts and external feedback can impact the mental health of neurodivergent women. Neurodivergent mothers face unique challenges related to ADHD and autism, including societal expectations and sensory overload.
• Strategies for managing these challenges include therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, and setting boundaries.
• Partner support is crucial in alleviating the mental load and providing emotional reassurance.
• Seeking professional help is important and should be normalised.
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Soundbites

• "Neurodivergent women may experience challenges in motherhood that are different from those without neurodivergence."
• "Online support and validation can be crucial for neurodivergent individuals."
• "Indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period include difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities."
• "Those seemingly day-to-day comments really can add fuel to the burnout and feeling like this is way more than I can handle."
• "Medication is just an option, it's a treatment option. And obviously that's really important to have discussions with your primary healthcare provider."
• "From a therapy perspective, looking at our narrative and our self-concept and how can we readjust and change those harmful beliefs or thoughts."

Keywords

neurodivergence, perinatal mental health, mood disorders, motherhood, online support, daily functioning, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, negative self-concepts, neurodivergent mothers, ADHD, autism, challenges, societal expectations, mental load, sensory overload, strategies, therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, boundaries, partner support, professional help