Common Characteristics in Neurodivergency
Autism and PTSD are very similar, yet the cause is very different. You're born Autistic, but PTSD requires an event. However, there are many overlaps. Having both, means I can identify with all symptoms of each one.
Bipolar overlaps with PTSD, between 4 and 40 percent of people living with bipolar disorder also met criteria for PTSD. PTSD appeared more common in women and people living with bipolar I. Between 6 and 55 percent of people living with PTSD also met criteria for bipolar disorder. People living with both conditions tended to report worse symptoms and lower quality of life. (2007 study)
Autism Only
Repetitive behaviours & self-sooth through routines
Difficulty intuitively reading neurotypical social clues
Sensory sensitives part of baseline experience
Special interests
PTSD Only
Presence of traumatic event
Avoidance behaviours
Intrusive memories & flashbacks
Hypervigilance
Nightmares
The Overlap
Dissociation
Intimacy Difficulty
Increased risk of victimisation
Negative beliefs of self & world
Difficulty managing intense emotions
Heightened sensitivity to sensory input
High rates of self-medication, self-harm, depression and suicide
Hypervigilance/ overactive nervous system
Impulse controls difficulties
Executive functioning difficulties
Sleep issues
Stimming
Bi-polar Only
Mania - a “high” mood state characterized by heightened energy or euphoria. It is mania that is the differential between type 1 and type 2. Type 2 will experience 'hypo' mania, whereas type 1 will experience 'hyper' mania. The depression element is the same for both
Self-esteem -No barriers to what you can achieve. Can lead to reckless activity; over-spending, self-absorption, or grandiosity. Hypermania can result in hallucinations
Hyperactivity - pressured or confusing speech. Thoughts and ideas emerge too quickly for the brain to process, so writing or speech can start one way and quickly move to another.
Insomnia - feeling refreshed on little sleep
The Overlap
Low Mood - a lingering low or negative mood, which might include feelings of guilt, anger, worthlessness, or fear difficulty experiencing positive feelings, like joy, optimism, or love and affection. Negative beliefs of self & world (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)
Functioning - problems with concentration and focus. Executive functioning difficulties (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)
Sleep - sleep difficulties (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)
Motivation - disinterest in daily life loss of pleasure in your regular activities and hobbies
Dissociation - withdrawal from friends and family. Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)
Self-Harm - thoughts of suicide. High rates of self-medication, self-harm, depression and suicide
(Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)