Breaking Through Resistance: Empowering Late-Diagnosed AuDHD Entrepreneurs in Occupational Therapy

By Liam Fagan

When Alex, a 40-year-old entrepreneur, first sat across from me, there was a palpable mix of relief and apprehension in their eyes. Recently diagnosed with Autism and ADHD—often referred to as AuDHD—Alex had spent a lifetime navigating a world that often felt out of sync with their own. As the owner of a small tech consultancy, they were innovative and passionate but found themselves hitting invisible barriers that impeded progress.

"I've always felt different but couldn't put my finger on why," Alex shared. "Now, with this diagnosis, so much makes sense, yet I also feel overwhelmed about what to do next."

Complicating matters was Alex's reliance on high masking, a coping mechanism where neurodivergent individuals consciously or unconsciously suppress their natural behaviors to fit societal expectations. While masking had helped Alex blend into professional environments, it came at the cost of immense mental exhaustion and a diminished sense of self.

They were engaged in an internal struggle—a battle against resistance.

Unveiling Resistance

Resistance, as Steven Pressfield describes in his book "The War of Art," is an internal force that keeps us from pursuing our true potential. It's the self-doubt that whispers, the procrastination that delays, and the fear that paralyzes. For late-diagnosed individuals like Alex, who grapple with AuDHD and the exhausting demands of high masking, resistance can be particularly formidable.

"I've been wearing a mask for so long, trying to meet everyone's expectations," Alex admitted. "It's like I've been resisting who I really am."

The Cost of High Masking

High masking allowed Alex to navigate social and professional landscapes more smoothly but led to chronic stress and burnout. The constant effort to appear 'neurotypical' not only drained their energy but also amplified internal resistance, making it challenging to initiate or complete tasks essential for their business.

Turning Assessments into Insights

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Alex's challenges, we utilized several assessments:

- Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A): This assessment helped identify specific areas of executive function where Alex struggled, such as organization, working memory, and task initiation.

- Sensory Profile: By evaluating Alex's sensory processing patterns, we discovered heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli, which contributed to overwhelm and distraction in daily life.

- Interoception Assessment: This tool assessed Alex's ability to perceive internal bodily signals (like hunger, thirst, or stress), revealing difficulties that impacted emotional regulation and self-care.

- Alexithymia Questionnaire: This assessment indicated challenges in identifying and expressing emotions, a common experience for many on the autism spectrum.

- Big 5 Personality Assessment and Perfectionism Scale: These provided additional insights into Alex's emotional sensitivity and perfectionistic tendencies.

"These assessments aren't about labeling you," I explained. "They're tools to understand how your unique brain and body work so we can develop strategies that align with your authentic self and your neurotype."

Integrating "The War of Art" into Therapy

Drawing inspiration from "The War of Art," we reframed resistance as not just an obstacle but a compass pointing toward meaningful work. For Alex, this meant recognizing that tasks provoking the most resistance were often those that could lead to significant personal and professional growth.

"If resistance is strongest when something really matters," Alex pondered, "then perhaps facing it head-on is exactly what I need."

Strategies for Overcoming Resistance and Embracing Authenticity

Armed with insights from the assessments, we developed a personalized plan that acknowledged the interplay of AuDHD, high masking, and sensory processing:

1. Addressing Executive Function Challenges (Brown EF/A):

- Task Management Techniques: We implemented task initiation strategies like the "five-minute rule," where Alex committed to working on a task for just five minutes to overcome the inertia of starting.

- External Supports: Utilizing calendars, reminders, and project management tools helped compensate for working memory difficulties and kept tasks organized.

2. Navigating Sensory Processing (Sensory Profile):

- Creating a Sensory-Friendly Workspace: Alex adjusted their work environment to reduce sensory overload—using noise-canceling headphones, adjusting lighting, and incorporating calming scents.

- Scheduled Sensory Breaks: Incorporating short breaks throughout the day for sensory regulation activities, such as deep-pressure exercises or mindfulness meditation.

3. Enhancing Interoceptive Awareness:

- Mind-Body Connection Practices: We integrated activities like yoga and guided body scans to help Alex tune into internal bodily signals, improving their ability to recognize stress or fatigue early.

- Routine Check-Ins: Setting alarms as reminders to assess basic needs—hydration, hunger, rest—supported better self-care and emotional regulation.

4. Addressing Alexithymia:

- Emotion Identification Exercises: We used tools like emotion wheels, identified proxies for emotional states and journaling prompts to expand Alex's emotional vocabulary and improve recognition of their own feelings.

- Expressive Therapies: Incorporating creative outlets like art or music allowed Alex to express emotions in non-verbal ways, facilitating emotional processing.

5. Challenging Perfectionism and Reducing Masking:

- Progress Over Perfection Mindset: Encouraging Alex to release work drafts and embrace feedback helped diminish the paralyzing effects of perfectionism.

- Authentic Communication: Practicing self-advocacy and setting boundaries reduced the need for masking. Alex began to communicate their needs and preferences to colleagues, fostering a more inclusive work environment.

6. Leveraging Support Networks:

- Online support worker: A support worker helped manage administrative tasks, providing accountability and reducing cognitive load.

- Peer Support Groups: Connecting with other neurodivergent entrepreneurs offered Alex a sense of community and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.

The Transformation

As Alex began to integrate these strategies, a significant shift occurred. They reported increased energy levels, a renewed passion for their work, and improved relationships with clients and colleagues.

"Allowing myself to be me has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders," Alex reflected. "I'm no longer spending all my energy trying to fit in, and I can channel that into my business."

Their company began to thrive as they introduced innovative ideas and strategies that were previously stifled by resistance.

A Shared Experience

Alex's journey mirrors that of many late-diagnosed AuDHD individuals who have spent years masking and battling unseen resistance. The combination of understanding their neurodivergence through comprehensive assessments and implementing strategies from "The War of Art" and occupational therapy unlocked doors they didn't realize were closed.

Embracing the True Self

High masking might have been a necessary survival tool, but it doesn't have to be a permanent state. By acknowledging and accepting their neurodivergent traits—and understanding the nuances revealed through assessments like the Brown EF/A and Sensory Profile—individuals like Alex can reduce internal resistance and unlock their full potential.

Closing Thoughts

Working with late-diagnosed AuDHD entrepreneurs has reinforced the importance of personalized, compassionate approaches in therapy. Resistance is not a sign of weakness but an indication of the meaningful work that lies ahead.

If you recognize yourself in Alex's story, remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Embracing your authentic self and seeking support can transform resistance from a barrier into a catalyst for growth.

---

Disclaimer: This story is an amalgamation of experiences from multiple clients who have been on similar journeys. All names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.