Disclosing Disability at Work
January 2024
If you have Autism and/or ADHD, you may have considered disclosing your disability status at work. Perhaps you have been unsure if this would be helpful, or if you would face any unwanted consequences. It can be empowering to know your rights under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). I want to share some key insights about navigating disability disclosure in the workplace.
Autism, ADHD & the ADA
Did you know that both Autism and ADHD are recognized under the ADA? This gives you legal protections at your job, which is super important.
Reasonable Accommodations
You deserve a workspace where you can thrive. Whether it’s needing a quieter corner, flexible hours, or tools to keep things organized, these accommodations are not just niceties – they’re your right.
Your Privacy, Your Choice
Deciding to disclose your diagnosis can be tough. Remember, it’s entirely up to you. If you choose not to share specifics, you can still ask for accommodations under the ADA. Need help deciding? Check out this helpful tool for some guidance.
Standing Up Against Discrimination:
If you ever feel discriminated against because of your autism, it’s crucial to speak up. Document what happens and talk to HR or a trusted supervisor. You can also reach out to the EEOC for support.
For more in-depth info, the ADA National Network is a great resource.
Stay strong and keep advocating for yourself!
Embracing Your Creative Identity
December 2023
For many neurodivergent folks, ADHD isn’t just about the struggles with focus, organization, or the classic “where did I put my keys?” scenario. It’s also about having a mind that can leap from idea to idea, creating connections that others might not see. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD often display remarkable levels of creativity. This isn’t surprising, considering the hallmark traits of ADHD, like divergent thinking and a preference for novelty, are also central to creative thought.
If you’re neurodivergent, you might find that your best ideas come in bursts, often at unexpected times. Your creativity may not follow a linear path, but rather it dances to the rhythm of your unique neural wiring. The key is to harness this creativity without feeling constrained by conventional norms. Here are some strategies to help you do just that:
Create a Flexible Routine
While structure is important, too rigid a schedule can stifle creativity. Build a routine that allows for spontaneous bursts of creative activity. I use “Time Blocking” and this is my favorite template: Time Blocking Template
Embrace Your Hyperfocus
ADHD often comes with the ability to hyperfocus – use this to your advantage in creative pursuits. When inspiration strikes, dive in deeply.
Use Transition Tools
It can be hard to switch gears out of our focus, and unfortunately we sometimes must. Use a visual timer, or an alarm. Make sure you build in “closing up time” to transition out of the task.
Write That Shit Down
With thoughts racing at a hundred miles an hour, it’s easy to lose track of those brilliant ideas. Keep a journal handy to jot down thoughts, sketches, or sudden insights.
Explore Different Mediums
Creativity isn’t just about painting or writing. It can be cooking, coding, gardening, or anything that allows you to express yourself. Experiment with different mediums to find what resonates with you.
Join a Community
Connect with others who share your neurodivergent traits and creative interests. Community support is invaluable for encouragement and inspiration. If you are having trouble connecting in person-social media (facebook groups) has your back.
You Are Unique
It’s important to acknowledge that ADHD comes with its set of challenges. Distractions, time management difficulties, and societal misunderstandings can be hurdles. However, when these challenges are navigated skillfully, they can become pathways to innovative solutions and creative triumphs.
To my neurodivergent pals out there, remember: your unique way of thinking and experiencing the world is awesome.
Embracing Sensory Integration in Mental Health Therapy
December 2023
In my practice, I prioritize creating a therapeutic environment that is not only emotionally nurturing but also sensory supportive. In our sessions, I invite clients to explore their sensory preferences and sensitivities, and integrate sensory tools that interest them during the session. These tools include weighted lap pads, Sandtray, balance boards, theraputty, visual timers, and bilateral sounds to engage various sensory systems. Folks often have a lot of fun exploring tools and report better focus, decreased anxiety, and a heightened sense of comfort and safety during our sessions. These sensory tools not only cater to specific sensory needs but also open new pathways for therapeutic exploration and healing.
The 8 senses?
Along with the usual 5 sense (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) there are three critical sensory systems: proprioception, the vestibular sense, and interoception.
Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense itself in space. Tools like weighted lap pads and theraputty can help in grounding, providing a sense of physical stability that translates into emotional balance.
The vestibular sense is linked to balance and spatial orientation. Incorporating an exercise ball or balance board in therapy sessions aids in developing this sense, which can be particularly beneficial for clients who experience disorientation in stressful situations.
Interoception involves the internal sensations of the body, like hunger, thirst, and emotional responses. We do A LOT of work in this area. Using exercises such as guided mindfulness practices and polyvagal exercises help build awareness and tap into our body’s internal experience.
By embracing sensory integration, we step into a realm of therapy that is holistic, innovative, and profoundly attuned to the individual needs of each client. And it’s really fun.
-Anna Roots, LPC-A
Tapping DIY
November 2022
Tapping is the practice of stimulating points on the body (acupressure) in a sequence. Its proven to lower stress hormones and increase our sense of safety.
Tapping my favorite polyvagal technique to share with clients. I use Tapping with clients in inpatient facilities and with clients in my practice. It is a technique can be used by people experiencing a range of symptoms including psychosis, depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety. I use it personally and have started teaching it to my 4 year old.
My sister first introduced Tapping to me a few years ago. As a mom of a toddler and an infant with colic, I was getting little sleep and my nervous system was activated at all times. I couldn’t seem to shift out of my activated state, even though logically I understood that there was no immediate threat lurking. Every sound, every thought, had me jumping at attention.
I watched a short youtube clip of the 9 Tapping points, I followed along. https://youtu.be/
Tapping works and it is something you can use in the moment. Learn the 9 Tapping points and create your Tapping self talk script to maximize it’s benefits.
-Anna Roots, LPC-A
Sandtray in Session
November 2022
Sandtray therapy engages a person in a hands on psychological experience. It is a powerful tool that allows individuals to control their own narrative. Sandtray is a highly regarded in the Play Therapy world as a tool that allows children to engage with experiences and thoughts beyond verbal processing. Sandtray’s benefits, however, reach across all ages. Engaging our multi-sensory system can allow us further access to our experiences. It can also simply relax our nervous system and allow for more ability to engage in the session.
In our office, there is a large selection of characters, symbols, and other miniatures. You are invited to bring whatever items you are interested in interacting with to the table. You may also choose to simply use the Sandtray as a sensory tool and play in the sand while we engage in talk therapy.
Our Sandtray sessions are always client-led and not reliant on the clinician’s interpretation, but instead on the client’s experience of the process. Sandtray is offered as an option during session and level of engagement is always up to the client.
-Anna Roots, LPC
Holiday Gatherings are on the way. Need a Plan?
November 2022
No longer are we gathered around our devices for an obligatory Zoom call. This year, you will likely be expected to show up in person. If you are filled with a sense of dread as you look toward these events, you aren’t alone. For neurodivergent folks, specifically with sensory and/or social sensitivities, these events can be very stressful.
Dreading these gatherings has no baring on how you might feel about your family. It is very possible to have strong relationships and enjoy the company of family members (or specific ones), but find the large group gathering to be overwhelming. When someone has sensory sensitivities, as many as all 5 senses can feel overloaded in a crowded environment. Put on top of that the social expectation of a family event and it can all be very dysregulating.
So what can we do? Prepare and get support. It is important that we treat our sensory and social needs as we would any other biological need. Just as we would expect access to a bathroom at a social event, ND folks should expect safe and accessible ways to regulate their nervous system. Having shame around these needs can prevent us from communicating with our support people. Plan ahead by checking in with yourself and your support people.
Download my EVENT RESILIENCY PLAN to prepare for a better feeling holiday. This is your holiday too and you deserve to feel comfortable and not in distress. The people who love you are going to support you in this.
-Anna Roots, LPC-A, CADC
