Navigating the Summer Chaos: The Impact of Change and Inconsistency on Neurodivergent Individuals

Phew....the collective sigh of relief as the kids return to school and normality begins to be restored. In Australia, we've just seen the completion of our Christmas/Summer break - for parents, that means, 6 weeks of trying to find ways to entertain their children and juggle responsibilities and the various hats that we adults must wear. This year however one thing particularly stuck with me and that was the additional hurdles that come with change and inconsistency, especially for us neurodivergent folks. So, join me as I share my journey through January, a month that brings its own set of challenges with the school holidays and all.

Now, to be fair – January can be a bit of a rollercoaster, right? School holidays throw everything off kilter and for me, working from home, running my own business, while working part-time and fulfilling consultancy commitments, while also keeping Daniel entertained, fed and stimulated, while also keeping the house in order, dinner on the table and catching up with friends can feel like juggling flaming torches. The pressure to be a superstar at work and an even better parent skyrockets, and the stress? Oh, it's there, my friends. It's causing panic attacks, overwhelm and insecurity.

The Neurodivergent Triad: Now, add neurodiversity into the mix, and you've got a whole new level of complexity. I've got my autistic side craving routine and order, and then there's my ADHD side, always ready to spice things up. It's like a constant tug-of-war between Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde, and let me tell you, it can get pretty intense. Let's not forget that my son also has Autism and ADHD so I feel an additional sense of pressure and overwhelm to keep him stimulated and entertained. It also means that everything in my life is chaotic in its nature. It's difficult to schedule appointments, it's difficult to get into a routine, its difficult to commit to anything, it's difficult to plan even a day or two in advance - because there are so many variables and so much happening. This awareness came about when an AuDHD Coaching client requested that I 'PLEASE Just Keep our weekly coaching on the same day and time', that is when I realised the difficulty of January!!! Not just on me, on my clients and my family and my nervous system.

The Toll on Mental Health: So, what's the price of this internal struggle? Anxiety, stress, self-doubt – they become my not-so-welcome companions. My nervous system goes haywire, leading to heart palpitations, Panic attacks and angry outbursts, and on some days, it feels like a battle with depression. Struggles to get up to get motivated to get going. And at night a racing mind is unable to slow down, focus or turn off.

The Vicious Cycle: Now, you might think that surely I'd have it sorted considering the time I've spent training myself, educating myself, immersed in personal development and courses to counteract these signs symptoms and experiences. And you would be half right, as this was the reason I sought out support, coaching, and help and was seeking answers as to why I feel like this, think like this, and operate like this. Even with all the knowledge and experience I've gathered over the years, fighting against change and inconsistency is still a challenge. The pressure to excel at work and home often leads to moments of exhaustion, and it's not just me; my son Daniel feels it too.

Seeking Consistency and Peace: Amid this chaos, what I crave is simple – consistency, simplicity, and peace. I've used alcohol to help myself turn off - it doesn't work. The reality is - slowing down, simple breathwork, yoga, vibe boosters, meditations, journalling, and exercise (especially running for me) are the things that really help me to reset and realign myself. But I know it doesn't always work, I can't always get myself to do it and it doesn't work for everyone. My journey highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Finding that balance between routine and flexibility, understanding our triggers, and making self-care a priority – these are the tools we need to navigate the summer chaos.

So, as we reflect on the impact of change and inconsistency during the summer, let's remember that it's a journey for all of us. Don't be hard on yourself, life is not easy for anyone. By fostering awareness, understanding, and support, we can create spaces that embrace the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals, allowing us to not just survive but thrive in the ever-changing landscape of life.

Cheers to finding that balance!

About the Author;

Aisling Smith Vance, is a Neurodiversity Empowerment Expert, an Amazon Best Selling Author, Podcaster, Professional Speaker, Master Hypnotherapist, High-Performance Coach, and Corporate Trainer.

Aisling focuses on supporting Inclusion, Empowerment, and Neurodiversity at home and in the Workplace.

1, Aisling Helps late diagnosed Neurodivergent Men and Women who are fed up and burnt out get to the next level in their careers and lives. She does this in her online Community; The Outliers Collective, one-on-one coaching, online courses and group training. Aisling is launching a group training program called; Neurodiversity & Me: Navigating your New Diagnosis, which is launching in February. You can find out more here.

2, In the Workplace, Aisling cultivates a culture of inclusivity where every voice and talent is heard and recognised. She does this through Lunch & Learns, Executive Training and Workshops in Small, Medium and Large organisations and the Public Sector for teams and companies who care, who know the value of their employees and who want to harness and maximise their potential.

Aisling works with Untapped a globally renowned company that supports neurodivergent individuals in obtaining employment, places them in employment, upskills and trains both the individuals their employers and their colleagues within the business ensuring a neuroinclusive and neuroinformed workforce. If you are interested in discussing Neurodiversity in the Workplace contact Aisling Here

You can work with Aisling 1-1 or through your business - book your Free Personal or Business Empowerment Planning Session here.