Maintaining family relationships and friendships can be challenging for everyone at times. In this article, members of Dorset\u2019s neurodivergent community explain what has helped them to build and maintain supportive relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Family relationships<\/h2>\n
We all have misunderstandings and disagreements with family members at times, but a supportive family unit that treats you with understanding and kindness can help you to thrive.<\/p>\n
Kit explains: \u201cAs neurodivergent people, we need people who respect our boundaries and are there as a unit when we need it. Being neurodivergent can make having relationships exhausting but with people that understand you, it can be the biggest support system you can have.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re the only neurodivergent person in the family circle, that can sometimes feel challenging. Encourage family members to read and understand more about your neurodevelopmental condition and how to support you. This will be important when seeking help, whether this be from your parents, partner or a sibling.<\/p>\n
Jack explains: \u201cUse your family and friends as an important resource. I know some people might be more isolated and in those circumstances things are different, but if you do have good connections and people that want to support you, make sure that they know what they can do to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
The National Autistic Society website<\/a> includes helpful information on family relationships.<\/p>\n You can find links to information and advice in the Read Support and advice section of this website<\/a> that family members may find useful. Family members may also find it helpful to attend courses provided through Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre.<\/a> Courses are available on a range of topics, including autism and ADHD, with online learning options also available.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving an understanding and supportive household can bring a safe space for neurodivergent people who need to decompress from the outside world,” says Kit. “Coming home to a difficult environment can be incredibly damaging, and result in more burnout and meltdowns due to that lack of stability.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Building friendships can sometimes be tricky and hard, but it's important not to isolate yourself and to seek help if you find yourself struggling in any regard. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The world has been challenging in recent years. Finding local groups to connect with other neurodivergent people could be a good place to start. Neurodivergent people are often drawn to one another; it can be reassuring to be around other people displaying similar behaviours such as bluntness or stimming. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Francesca explains: \"Most of my friends now are neurodivergent \u2013 either diagnosed, undiagnosed or in the process of diagnosis. We really get each other and we really get that living in a neurotypical world is really tough.\"<\/p>\n Kit adds: \"Being with like-minded friends can be so beneficial and reduce the risks of mental health struggles that can come with being neurodivergent. Feeling like you don't fit in is exhausting and with a lack of community, you can really feel depressed and alone, so these connections to like-minded people are essential to development.\"<\/p>\n Find more information about support groups and activities in the <\/span>F<\/span>ind Support section of this website<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n You can also look online to see if there's a local club or meeting area for neurodivergent groups to meet and make friends. Universities sometimes offer societies dedicated to creating safe spaces and allowing people with autism, ADHD and other conditions, as well as clubs and societies you can engage with that are relevant to special interests that embrace unmasking and being authentic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Relationships can be tricky for everyone at times but if one partner is neurodivergent, that may create additional challenges that require understanding to navigate.<\/p>\nFriendships<\/span><\/h2>\n
Advice for partners<\/h2>\n
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