OCD
Coping Strategies
Masking (Autism)
Masking (ADHD)
Random!
100
Easy one!
What does OCD stand for?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
100
I can't think of what to put her, so how about you just tell me a fun(or not fun)fact about neurodiversity! Name a coping strategy!
Anyone else have some??? I'm running out of inspiration. Props to MY ADHD for that!
100
Does Masking have to be deliberate?
Nope!
People often don’t realize that they are masking, or have been masking for so long that they can no longer distinguish whats them and whats the mask. This happens to the point of keeping your mask on even when you're alone.
100
How many people with ADHD Mask?
About 1/3.
100
What is the symbol for ADHD awareness?
or an orange ribbon :)
200
What are OCD Obsessions? Some examples of common ones?
Obsessions are unwanted and often distressing thoughts, images, feelings, or urges that repeatedly show up in your mind.
One common obsession people with OCD might have is being scared of causing harm, whether intentional (Like attacking people) or accidental (like burning down your house by leaving the stove on). Another is obsession with contamination, whether through germs, infection, or sickness.
200
What is stimming?
Things like bouncing your leg, tapping your foot, flapping, rocking, vocalizing, fidgeting, etc. For those with ADHD, it's a good way to redirect energy, which can allow you to focus. For those with Autism, it's a way to cope with and regulate overwhelming or intense environments.
200
Causes of Autism Masking
There are lots and lots of causes, and most of them stem from shame. Here are some.
To appear likeable
To fit in
To express trustworthiness and intelligence
To avoid bullying, stigma, or discrimination
Because it is just expected of you
Anyone have others?
200
Causes of ADHD Masking
There are a lot.
1. Masking almost always develops because of shame, whether from others or internalized.
2. A desire to make up for your ‘faults,’ and to show that you are fine, in control, and/or ‘normal.’
3. Masking can be just as much to convince yourself that you are fine as it is to convince others.
Anyone want to add?
300
What are OCD Compulsions? Examples?
Compulsions are ways to try and neutralize or prevent Obsessions. They are usually excessive/unconnected, like flicking the light switch a certain number of times to make sure the house doesn’t burn down, but they usually feel necessary to the person performing them. They can help in the moment, but it's easy to get swallowed up by them. Some examples are hand washing, counting things, touching surfaces and checking on things.
Does anyone want to add some?
300
What are some ways to cope with ADHD time blindness/memory problems?
Sticky notes, alarms, or whatever works best for you! No wrong answers here.
300
Examples of Masking Autism
There are many examples of Masking Autism, such as:
1. Rehearsing conversations, facial expressions, and/or behaviors.
2. Forcing eye contact despite potential discomfort.
3. Mimicking other people's behaviors.
4. Interacting by pretending or performing.
5. Using scripted phrases.
6. Adjusting volume/tone of voice.
Can anyone think of any others?
300
Examples of Masking ADHD
Examples could be:
1. Overthinking/filtering what you say, and/or mimicking others
3. Suppressing/hiding stimming behaviors or hyperactivity
4. Developing perfectionism behaviors
5. Reacting in planned and expected ways, regardless of your actual feelings
6. Overcompensating for things like time blindness, disorganization, and memory issues
7. Trying to focus really hard on someone/something to avoid any distractions
8. Being irritable as a result of forcing yourself to concentrate on something uninteresting for an extended period of time
9. Actively working to avoid stressful situations
10. Taking on too much work to try and show that you are fine, or to try and make up for perceived faults
11. Bottling up emotions to the point of feeling sick for no apparent reason
Can anyone think of more?
300
What organization has a puzzle piece for it's logo, and is it considered a good organization? If not, cite an example.
Autism Speaks, NOPE, and there are a lot, but the 'I Am Autism' commercial is a pretty good (Horrible) place to start.
400
How much time has to be taken up by Compulsions in order for a diagnosis?
More than an hour a day.
400
What are some things (items) that can help those with Autism cope with overwhelming sensory situation?
Sunglasses, headphones, fidgets, and anything else that they find helpful!
400
Impacts of Masking Autism
There are so many. Here's a few. Masking can:
1. Delay diagnosis, which in turn puts off treatment.
2. Take HUGE cognitive effort, which may lead to exhaustion and/or burnout.
3. Cause struggle with sense of self.
4. Cause anxiety and/or depression.
5. Cause others to have disbelief or doubt when/if you are able to take your mask down and express your struggle.
400
Impacts of Masking ADHD
ADHD Masking impacts! Here are some:
1. It takes lots of energy, and can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and general exhaustion.
2. It can cause feelings of intense shame and/or guilt due to feeling like you're being fake/shallow.
3. It often delays diagnosis and treatment.
4. It can offer short-term relief in the moment, but only delays, internalizes and amplifies turmoil and stress.
5. If you're very good at masking, or have been doing it for a very long time, people may not believe or understand you when and if you try and tell them about your struggles.
500
What is the symbol of OCD Awareness? Bonus, What are the colors on the OCD pride flag?
The symbol is a teal ribbon, and the colors are:
Teal
White
Light yellow
Dark yellow
500
'Masking': unhealthy 'coping'
Masking is hiding, suppressing, and/or overcompensating for symptoms of neurodiversity to appear 'normal', whether intentionally or subconsciously. It could also be adopting/mimicking behaviors of neurotypical people.
Masking works a bit differently for people with OCD. Let's discuss that?
500
Autism Masking coping
There are ways to cope with Masking, and I'd like to have everyone talk about them. Here's a good one though:
Seek therapy, and try to learn strategies to cope and interact with emotions instead of bottling them up.
500
ADHD Masking coping
I'd like to have a discussion about coping strategies, so here's one to get you started:
Learning to recognize healthy behaviors, like keeping your desk tidy, versus harmful masking behaviors, like needing everything to be spotless.
500
What beings that used to be killed under the suspicion of being Fey are now believed by many to have simply been people with Autism and/or other disabilities?
Changelings!