Neurodivergence and Sensory Processing Disorders - Allie Dennis
Neurodivergence is a nonmedical term used to describe any difference between brain processing, including psychological, biological, and behavioral responses, from the typical response expected in society. It is a social term that has been used to describe the autism community in the media but can also include diagnosis of bipolar depression, dyslexia, adhd, and post traumatic stress disorder community. It’s important to know neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes diagnoses that are persistent and generally developmental in nature.
Neurodivergence is an anti ableist term that supports the strengths of the community while providing necessary empowerment and resource support. It’s important to know that sensory processing disorders are common in a range of diagnosis but are commonly discussed in the autism and adhd community. The statistics below show how common sensory processing disorder is and what supports are currently available for the neurodivergent community, and support that a diagnosis is not necessary to be a part of this community.
Sensory Processing Disorders occurring in the population may be underdiagnosed as there is a lack of evidence from psychiatric and counseling services.
The general population is estimated to have 5% to 16.5% with sensory processing concerns but higher estimates are in the clinical populations with other diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, and bipolar depression (Miller et al., 2017).
Not many individuals get a diagnosis because of stigma and discrimination in workplace situations. Depressive symptoms among neurodivergent individuals, especially ADHD and Autism, is higher than neurotypical individuals (Barkley, 2024) .
Self coping strategies are usually relied on by individuals with sensory processing disorders but it can be detrimental to their social interactions if not disclosed.
Some self coping strategies are the use of headphones, removing themselves from overstimulating situations, creating a mental filter that can block out unnecessary information although this is problematic for future development.
The Current Research
In a study on occupational physical adjustments that can be made to help with occupational longevity, it was found that accommodations in sensory needs, including vestibular, auditory, social, and proximity, were highlighted as top concerns from neurodivergent participants (Weber et al., 2022).
Studies included private spaces for decompression and work spaces that are designed to create calm, including a lack of fluorescent lighting with more natural light (Weber et al., 2022).
Reducing acoustic and visual stimulation was highlighted with options to work in a private space, with a screen to prevent visual distractions, and soundproof rooms. Another work arrangement was the ability to work from home to minimize distractions.
Physical modifications to the building were only one priority, while educational interventions directed at coworkers and management were mentioned as a priority for policy change and inclusion (Weber et al., 2022).
Adult avoidance behavior and assessment of avoidance have been measured with the Behavioral Activation and Depression Scale (BADS) Assessment. This assessment is appropriate for multiple neurodevelopmental diagnoses and comorbid diagnoses of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
The BADS assessment measures rumination, avoidance, work/ school impairment, and social impairment. BADS assessment matched with the Cognitive Behavioral Avoidance Scale in the avoidance, rumination, and work/school impairment scores.
Dyslexia is a brain difference that is neurodevelopmental and affects the language area of the brain. The symptoms include auditory sensory concerns and visual sensory concerns that result in avoidance of language related behaviors like reading and writing, due to trouble processing words including listening and attention orientation to communication.
Dyslexia in adults has been researched more, and assessments are readily available online. The first assessment that has been used actively in adults is the Dyslexia Adult Checklist, which scored high in reliability in assessing individuals already diagnosed with dyslexia.
Tips for Sensory Processing Disorders
Accommodations for dyslexia can include text translation services using AI voice to text or recording conversations as an accepted practice in the workplace.
Slow down on paperwork tasks and read over to do lists throughout the day while highlighting important information. Different highlighter colors mean different task priorities and deadlines that visually help you remember information.
Change your activities throughout the day and complete challenging tasks in 30 minute intervals with 15 minute breaks to do something you enjoy.
If you are currently struggling remembering auditory information you can actively take notes or request a record of notes at meetings to compare.
Discussing with coworkers the need to have your work evaluated and your preferred way to receive feedback is important to further development and success. This can be a group conversation including your coworkers so you can respect their needs as well.
Find time for decompression throughout the day and request breaks from overstimulation from the employer if necessary and available. This can create more mental availability for you to do your best work.
Rate your Self on BADs-SF and seek professional assistance for depressive symptoms. This assessment is for self improvement and understanding of current avoidance behaviors. This will not assess if you are neurodivergent or have a clinical diagnosis but it is a tool to assist you seek further assessment and treatment.
Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale – Short Form (BADS-SF)
Please read each statement carefully and then circle the number which best describes how much the statement was true for you DURING THE PAST WEEK, INCLUDING TODAY.
0 = Not at all 1 2 = A little 3 4 = A lot 5 6 = Completely
1. There were certain things I needed to do that I didn’t do. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
2. I am content with the amount and types of things I did. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
3. I engaged in many different activities. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
4. I made good decisions about what type of activities and/or situations I put myself in. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ___
5. I was an active person and accomplished the goals I set out to do. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
6. Most of what I did was to escape from or avoid something unpleasant. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
7. I spent a long time thinking over and over about my problems. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ____
8. I engaged in activities that would distract me from feeling bad. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ _____
9. I did things that were enjoyable. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ _____
Scoring information
Reverse scoring for questions number #1,#6,#7, and #8 which means they are scored by the opposite of the number picked.
Example) if you agree completely (6) you would put a 0 score down and if you agree (5) you would put a 1 score down.
Question #2, #3, #4, #5 and # 9 are tallied by the score you originally chose.
Sum scores and the range should be from 0 to 54.
Interpret score- The higher score means more behavior activation and less depression symptoms. Lower score means more depressive symptoms with less activation, possibly a more severe level of depression.
If you’d like to seek counseling services with any of the clinicians follow the link below.
https://www.neurodivergentohio.com/contact
Kanter, J. W., Rusch, L. C., Busch, A. M., & Sedivy, S. K. (2008). Validation of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) in a Community Sample with Elevated Depressive Symptoms. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 31(1), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-008-9088-y
Miller, L. J., Schoen, S. A., Mulligan, S., & Sullivan, J. (2017). Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study. Occupational Therapy International, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2876080
Barkley, S. (2024, April 26). Is Depression Neurodivergent? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/depression/is-depression-neurodivergent\
Weber, C., Krieger, B., Häne, E., Yarker, J., & McDowall, A. (2022). Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: A systematic review. Applied Psychology, 73(3), 1–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12431
