The Blog
How to Build a Personalized Sensory Kit for Everyday Life
Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic or have ADHD, face a significantly higher risk of suicide due to systemic barriers, social isolation, chronic masking, and a lack of adequate mental health support. Many struggle with rejection, burnout, trauma, and unmet support needs, leading to overwhelming distress that often goes unrecognized by traditional suicide prevention efforts. Addressing this crisis requires neurodivergent-specific crisis care, accessible mental health resources, and inclusive environments where individuals can unmask safely and receive the support they deserve.
Why Are Neurodivergent People at Higher Risk for Suicide?
Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic or have ADHD, face a significantly higher risk of suicide due to systemic barriers, social isolation, chronic masking, and a lack of adequate mental health support. Many struggle with rejection, burnout, trauma, and unmet support needs, leading to overwhelming distress that often goes unrecognized by traditional suicide prevention efforts. Addressing this crisis requires neurodivergent-specific crisis care, accessible mental health resources, and inclusive environments where individuals can unmask safely and receive the support they deserve.
The Cost of Masking: Why Autistic Adults Struggle with Burnout
Autistic masking—the suppression of natural traits to conform to neurotypical expectations—leads to chronic stress, exhaustion, and ultimately autistic burnout, which manifests as cognitive shutdown, increased sensory sensitivities, and loss of executive function. This burnout is caused by the constant mental effort of masking, social pressures, and the fear of rejection, often leading to long-term physical and mental health struggles. Recovery involves reducing masking where possible, setting boundaries, engaging in sensory regulation, and seeking support from neurodivergent-affirming communities.
The Reality of Parental Estrangement Among Autistic Adults
Autistic adults experience higher rates of parental estrangement due to childhood trauma, forced masking, ableism, and a lack of familial understanding or acceptance. Many face rejection when setting boundaries, unmasking, or receiving a late diagnosis, leading to emotional distress and the difficult choice of distancing themselves for self-preservation. While estrangement can be painful, healing is possible through community support, chosen family, and reclaiming autonomy in relationships.
What It Really Means to Be AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD)
AuDHD, the intersection of autism and ADHD, combines traits that can sometimes amplify or contradict each other, affecting focus, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Individuals may experience both hyperfocus and distractibility, sensory sensitivity alongside sensory-seeking behaviors, and intense emotions that are difficult to process. Navigating these challenges requires tailored strategies, including task chunking, sensory regulation tools, emotional check-ins, and self-advocacy, while also recognizing the strengths of deep thinking, creativity, and resilience.